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ANAHEIM, Calif. — Each summer brings with it some omissions for the All-Star Game roster. On Saturday, two Red Sox players who were thought to be good bets for inclusion on the AL roster were, instead, left off.
First baseman Willson Contreras was not chosen despite his 18 homers and 53 RBI and a slugging percentage of .532. Contreras ranked second in WAR (2.8) as calculated by FanGraphs among AL first baseman — only the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz (3.5) had a higher figure.
Sonny Gray, who started Saturday night in the second game of the Red Sox’ nine-game road trip, was 9-1 with a 2.69 ERA that would have ranked him fourth among AL starters had he qualified. Gray missed some time in April on the IL, and that absence prevented him from qualifying.
“The way I look at it is,” said interim manager Chad Tracy, “we do have a couple more players who, when you look at the numbers and what they’ve done, are definitely deserving. I’m still holding out hope. Between now and when the All-Star Game happens, there’s so much roster fluctuation. It happens every year, where people can’t go or get hurt or things happen. So I’m still holding out hope that there’s a couple more guys (selected) on our team that I feel are deserving, no question about it.”
“I’m not disappointed,” said Contreras. “I try not to build up too many expectations when it comes to the All-Star Game. But if you ask me if I feel like I’m personally deserving, I would tell you, ‘Yes.’ But talking about with my teammates, I wasn’t filling my head up with illusions of being on the team.”
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was voted by fans as the AL starter, withdrew from the game Saturday, so that could open a spot for Contreras as a replacement.
“I would obviously love to be on the All-Star team,” said Contreras. “It’s one of the motivations that we have in this game to play our best and it’s something that would be an honor for me, to be added to that group. The possibility is out there. It’d be a pleasure to be added on to the team.”
Contreras said he felt badly that Gray, his teammate now and in the past in St. Louis, was bypassed.
“It’s difficult because he’s had a phenomenal year,” said Contreras. “From our part, we have two — we have Ranger and we have Chapman — that are going. But I’m really surprised that (Gray) wasn’t selected, based off the year that he’s had. I think he should be there."
“Very surprised, especially considering the year that he’s had, that (Gray) wasn’t selected,” said reliever Aroldis Chapman, chosen for his ninth All-Star Game. “But hopefully, in the coming days, they’ll be able to include him.”
Ranger Suarez, who was named to the team, threw his support behind Gray, too.
“I was definitely a little surprised, especially considering that Sonny’s had a tremendous year,” said Suarez. “He’s a leader for us. He’s the guy who goes out and represents us and leads us.”
More Red Sox coverage
- Red Sox’ Willson Contreras offers tearful apology for recent on-field incidents
- Red Sox have two pitchers chosen for AL All-Star team — and two newcomers snubbed
- Red Sox lineup: Hot-hitting 2B back in leadoff spot vs. lefty after night off; Sonny Gray starting
- Red Sox roster moves: Veteran reliever elects free agency after DFA
- Red Sox’ Jake Bennett is all business with another sparkling start
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