Derek Jeter was one of three Yankees to be named to the American League All-Star team. Both the American and National League rosters were announced during ESPN’s All-Star Selection Show on Sunday evening.
The longtime Yankee shortstop will be joined by teammates Masahiro Tanaka, and Dellin Betances, who will both be making their All-Star Game debuts. It is the 14th time the Yankee captain has made the team, the most among active players. Jeter is going to start the game for the ninth time. The game, which will be played on July 15 in the Minnesota’s Metropolitan Stadium, marks the return of Jeter to the All-Star game, as he was injured during the 2013 season, resulting in him not making the AL roster for the first time since 2005.
The 40-year-old Jeter is struggling this season, batting just .266, well below his lifetime average of .311. However, most of the roster is decided by the votes of fans, and clearly they wanted to see Jeter in the All-Star game one final time. Jeter was named All-Star Game MVP back in 2000, and last year Mariano Rivera was given the award in his final appearance in the mid-summer classic.
Dellin Betances has been the surprise of the Yankees’s season this far, and his spot in the team is well-deserved, as he has been dominant in his 37 appearances out of the bullpen. The 6’8 right-hander from Washington Heights, New York has impressive stats in every important category.
Masahiro Tanaka, the Japanese ace was a lock to make the AL squad as he has the second best ERA among starters in the league, with a 2.27. Tanaka has looked worth the hefty 155 million dollar contract he signed before the season started, which drew skepticism from other players, that according to BleacherReport.
Jose Bautista of the Blue Jays was the leading vote-getter, that according to CBSsports who also provide the rest of the players selected for the game.