Despite heavy efforts, Pirates first baseman Josh Bell will not be the National League starter at first base in July's All-Star game.
Bell lost the fan vote by 1.1 percent to Atlanta's Freddie Freeman.
In the midst of a monumental season, Bell is hitting .311 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI. He leads the National League in extra base hits and RBIs.
Freeman, meanwhile, is hitting .312 with 22 home runs and 63 RBI.
The NL's loaded with 1B talent, but only one can start.@FreddieFreeman5 is headed to the @AllStarGame. pic.twitter.com/dkKLWiTx8O
— MLB (@MLB) June 27, 2019The Pirates made a strong push for Bell this week, hosting a free event at PNC Park for fans to run the bases, take pictures on the field and, of course, vote for Bell.
Bell launched his 22nd home run of the season in Thursday's 10-0 win over the Houston Astros, the Pirates' sixth win in seven games.
Pittsburgh opens a three-game series in Milwaukee Friday night.





