Phillies get MLB-record 8th All-Star with Sánchez replacing Atlanta’s Chris Sale

ARLINGTON, Texas — Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez is expected to make his first All-Star Game, replacing Atlanta left-hander Chris Sale, who is expected to start for the Braves on Sunday and will not pitch in the Midsummer Classic.

The addition of Sánchez on Saturday brings the Phillies’ MLB-leading total to eight All-Stars, adding to the franchise record.

The game will be played Tuesday night at the home of the Texas Rangers. Philadelphia will be the only major league team with at least 60 wins before the break.

Sánchez is the third member of Philadelphia’s rotation to earn an All-Star nomination, but the only one who could make it.

Right-hander Zack Wheeler had already been sidelined with back spasms, and now Ranger Suarez is joining him with the same issue. The left-hander was replaced Saturday by Atlanta right-hander Max Fried, who is expected to play in his second All-Star Game.

Sánchez becomes the 38th player to be named to the All-Star Game for the first time, and Fried is the 10th alternate, six players from the National League. Their additions bring the total number of players named to the All-Star Game to 74.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said keeping Suarez out of the All-Star Game was a precautionary measure. The 28-year-old felt tightness and spasms in his lower back after a 6-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.

“Of course, we dream of playing in the All-Star Game, but I think health comes first,” Suarez said through an interpreter after Philadelphia’s 11-5 win over Oakland on Saturday. “I think it’s best for me to rest.”

Suarez (10-4) has a 1.83 ERA in 16 starts, but it’s 8.62 in his last three outings. Three of his losses have come in his last four starts.

“He’s pitched a lot of innings and we want to make sure he stays healthy,” Dombrowski said. “It’ll be a nice break for him.”

Sanchez, 27, is 7-4 with a 2.96 ERA. He allowed two runs in six innings in a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last start before the break on Wednesday.

The Phillies have three starters: first baseman Bryce Harper, shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Alec Bohm.

Relievers Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm round out Philadelphia’s contingent, making the Phillies the first team with five All-Star pitchers, according to MLB.

Sale earned his league-high 12th MLB victory against Arizona 6-2 on Tuesday. It’s the 35-year-old’s eighth All-Star nomination.

Seattle’s Logan Gilbert was replaced by teammate reliever Andrés Muñoz, with Gilbert also named the Mariners’ starter Sunday.

Minnesota infielder/outfielder Willi Castro, Baltimore outfielder Anthony Santander and Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg were added early to the American League roster in place of Houston shortstop Jose Altuve (left hand soreness), Boston third baseman Rafael Devers (left shoulder soreness) and Houston outfielder Kyle Tucker (right shin contusion).

Pittsburgh right-hander Paul Skenes, Cincinnati shortstop Elly De La Cruz and right-hander Hunter Greene and San Francisco outfielder Heliot Ramos replaced Wheeler in the National League, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (broken left hand) and right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back stiffness) and San Diego outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (right thigh).

Marcus Semien of host Texas replaced Altuve in the AL starting lineup.

Skenes is expected to start for the National League after making just 11 major league starts.

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