Sport 1 min read

MLB tabs Herrera, Martinez, Rafaela as replacements for All-Star Game

Three more players across baseball got their call to the All-Star Game on Friday.

Martinez and Rafaela were tabbed to replace the injured Ranger Suarez and Aaron Judge on the American League squad. Herrera was selected to take Shohei Ohtani’s place among the National League all-stars.

It marks the first career all-star appearance for all three players.

Martinez, 35, has played a key role in Tampa Bay’s resurgent 2026, pitching to a 2.61 ERA and 61 strikeouts over 100 innings. The veteran righty had spent time in the majors with Texas, San Diego and Cincinnati before signing with the Rays this past off-season.

Rafaela, meanwhile, has been a steady presence on both sides of the ball for Boston. A star defender in centre field, the 25-year-old has levelled up with the bat in 2026, slashing .283/.330/.438 with eight homers, 21 doubles and 12 stolen bases in 87 games.

Finally, Herrea will make the trip to Philly after a strong first half in which he owns a .780 OPS in 92 games with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. The 26-year-old backstop joins teammate Jordan Walker as the Cardinals’ representatives in the 2026 Midsummer Classic.

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