There are a lot of reasons for the Red Sox' success in the 2021 season. But five of them will be highlighted in Colorado in just more than a week.
After the announcement Thursday night that Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers would be starters for the American League All-Star team, news came down Sunday that their Red Sox teammates Nathan Eovaldi, J.D. Martinez and Matt Barnes would be joining them on the A.L. squad.
It marks the first time both Barnes and Eovaldi have earned an All-Star nod, with Martinez making it for a fourth time.
Barnes entered Sunday with a 2.75 ERA, going 18 for 22 in save opportunities. The closer had struck out 61 and walked just nine. Barnes picked up his 19th save in the Red Sox' 1-0 win over the A's Sunday afternoon.
“We had a team meeting this morning and AC (Alex Cora) kind of rattled off the other three guys who made it obviously other than Devers and Bogey. Just a wild moment, honestly," Barnes said. "I knew there was a chance that I was going to make it, but you’re never really certain. There’s so many good relievers in this game, especially in the American League. You’ve got guys having incredible years who are very deserving of being an All-Star as well. I’m definitely super fortunate and obviously awesome. I called my wife as soon as it happened. I called my wife and then I told my parents, my brother. They’re all ecstatic. They’re getting flights and hotels and packing their bags and getting ready to head out to Denver as well.”
Eovaldi is 9-4 with a 3.41 ERA, having established himself as the Red Sox' most consistent starter. The Sox are 11-6 in the right-hander's starts.
"It’s awesome," Eovaldi said. "I’ve never been to begin with, so it’s going to be nice to have those guys who have been there before, be able to follow them and see how they handle everything, but Raffy, Bogey, JD, Barnes, having another pitcher there too with Barnes there, it’s going to be good. Everybody was so deserving of making the All-Star Game, so I don’t know. I’m kind of at a loss for words. I’m very excited though. I’m very honored to be in this situation.”
This is the third time Martinez has made the All-Star team as a member of the Red Sox, having earned honors at the designated hitter spot in 2018 and 2019. This year he entered Sunday hitting .303 with a .926 OPS and 17 homers.