CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan will have plenty of company at the All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas.
First baseman Josh Naylor, utility-man David Fry and closer Emmanuel Clase were named to the American League team Sunday following voting by fellow players.
Ramirez and Kwan were named starters for the American League last week.
“It is so fun for our group to have five people going to represent us and five very, very deserving people as well,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “I couldn't be more thrilled for Kwani, Josh and David, first time All Stars earning that, and for those three especially, it's just so fun. They've earned it. They've had great first halves and they're having great, phenomenal seasons.”
Cleveland’s five selections are the most in the American League and third-most in baseball behind the LA Dodgers, who have seven All-Stars and six from the Phillies.
“Shows the team that we have, obviously in first place playing really good,” Fry said. “I think we have more guys who are deserving to be there. I think our entire bullpen could have gone but awesome to see, especially for Nayls. A guy who really deserved it last year to see finally that he got the respect he deserved to get in there. And obviously Kwan and Josey and Clase going again. Would've loved to see more guys, but just really cool to get the Guardians, a lot of guys there.”
Ramirez, who makes his sixth appearance in 10 years, is hitting .271 with 23 home runs and 76 RBI while Kwan enjoys his first selection with MLB's best batting average at .364.
Naylor, who is hitting .243, is second behind Ramirez in home runs with 21 and 66 RBI also made his first All-Star team.
“It's awesome,” Josh Naylor said. “Give a lot of credit to my teammates. I think as a group we make each other better every single day and I think a lot of the players are more deserving… I think a lot of us should be all stars and I'm grateful to be one and I'm looking forward to representing this team and my teammates and coaches and this organization during the game.”
Clase, selected for the third consecutive year, leads the American League with 27 saves and his 0.85 ERA leads all relievers in baseball.
“I think it has been the focus from the day one,” Clase said through team interpreter Agustin Rivero of his dominance. “It's just to execute every single pitch. It means a lot fewer pitches, so I feel that's the result of what we've been trying to do from day one.”
Fry is the third first time All-Star for the Guardians. He is officially going as a DH but has been the Guardians go to utility guy and his .305 batting average has forced Vogt to keep him in the lineup. Fry also has eight home runs and 33 RBI this season.
“Pretty fired up,” Fry said. “I mean, just really exciting. Just see how excited my teammates were for me, that was probably the best part. And same with the staff, just pretty cool moment.”
The five All-Star selections are the most for Cleveland since the club sent six to the 2018 mid-summer classic.
