Turns out, the AL All-Stars may need some relief, too.
The All-Stars turned to Rays’ closer Alex Colome Tuesday as the Rays’ selection to the game. Colome has 19 saves in 19 opportunities and a 1.76 ERA.
“First of all, we’re very excited about Alex,” said Rays’ manager Kevin Cash. “I think that’s awesome. Very much earned for Alex, a guy that has come through the system and has really taken to his role. As far as for Evan, I think it’s an honor to be in that top five. I hope our fan base and people outside of our fan base understand what type of year he’s having and can vote him in there. We feel he’s definitely worthy. Saying that, we understand how difficult it is for the manager that’s picking the team. There are a lot of good players out there. Obviously, we feel Evan Longoria is All-Star worthy and are very hopeful that he gets the votes needed to get to the game.”
Longoria is in the voting for the last slot against Ian Kinsler, Michael Saunders, George Springer and Dustin Pedroia.
“I’m always excited to be considered in that group,” Longoria said. “First and foremost, I’m very happy for Colome. I think he’s deserving of it. He’s one of the only guys down there that’s been consistent for us and been great, and we’ve asked a lot out of him. And I’m honored to be on the final ballot thing. We talked about it earlier, I was on it in 2008, and we came through and won. So hopefully we can rally the troops and get some votes and get me there again.”
