CLEVELAND, Ohio – Shane Bieber is an All-Star for the first time in his career.
Bieber is 7-3 this season with a 3.54 ERA in 17 starts. He's the fourth Indians player to make the American League team, joining Carlos Santana, Francisco Lindor and Brad Hand.
"This is extremely special for me," Bieber said. "I'm honored and thankful. To do it in my first full season is pretty special. To have the opportunity and to be able to do it in Cleveland is something I'm really excited for."
Indians manager Terry Francona sat down with Bieber to deliver the news on Friday afternoon.
The 24-year-old is taking the place of Rangers pitcher Mike Minor, who is scheduled to start for Texas on Sunday, so he won't be eligible to pitch in the game.
Bieber threw a complete game shutout earlier this season against the Orioles. He's eighth in Major League Baseball with 133 strikeouts.
"We’re always encouraged with Biebs because we know how he prepares, we know how he works," Francona said earlier this season. "Nobody can forecast years down the road. But what we ask our guys to do, he does every bit of that. That’s what we look for."
At 24 years and 35 days old, Bieber is the youngest Indians starting pitcher to earn an All-Star nod since CC Sabathia in 2004.
The 90th All-Star Game is Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Progressive Field.
Shane Bieber has made the cut, and for the 1st time in his Major League career, will be an All-Star! ⭐️Let's go, Biebs!#RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/QXHA2IC1ss
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 5, 2019
