SS FRANCISCO LINDOR and LHP BRAD HAND have been named to the American League All-Star Team, announced this evening by Major League Baseball. Lindor and Hand, selected via last weekend’s player voting, join elected starting first baseman CARLOS SANTANA on the 32-man squad.
Lindor, 25, is batting .291 (76-for-261) with 16 doubles, 1 triple, 12 home runs, 27 RBI and 41 runs scored in 64 games so far in 2019 (.349/.498/.848). The selection mark’s Lindor’s fourth consecutive trip to the Mid-Summer Classic, joining Hall of Famer Lou Boudreau (seven, 1940-44; 1947-48) as the only shortstops in club history with at least four career All-Star appearances. Francisco collected his 100th career home run on April 26, becoming the third-youngest player in club history and third-youngest full-time shortstop to do so, behind only Cal Ripken, Jr. and Álex Rodríguez. He completed June batting .304 (34-for-112) with 11 doubles, 4 homers and 17 runs scored. Despite missing the season’s first 18 games due to injury, he entered play this afternoon second on the club with a 2.3 bWAR.
Hand, 29, will enjoy his third consecutive All-Star Game after earning invitations with the San Diego Padres in 2017 and 2018. So far this season, the Chaska, MN native has posted a record of 4-3 with a 2.29 ERA in 37 relief appearances (35.1IP, 26H, 9ER, 9BB, 53K, .203 avg), notching 23 saves in 24 opportunities (96%). He entered play today tied for second in the American League with 22 saves. His 374 strikeouts are the most among Major League relievers since 2016. He recorded saves over each of his first 22 chances on the season and posted 14 consecutive scoreless appearances, May 12-June 20.
The Cleveland Indians are set to host their sixth All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 9 at Progressive Field.