Brewers' Jeffress earns 1st All-Star berth as injury replacement
Milwaukee Brewers reliever Jeremy Jeffress has been rewarded for his stellar first half, being named an All-Star for the first time.
Jeffress replaces Washington Nationals closer Sean Doolittle on the NL roster, who landed on the disabled list Tuesday thanks to an inflamed left toe.
"It just means I know I can overcome anything I go through, because I've been through so much," the nine-year veteran told Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It's exciting. I don't even know what to say right now. It's a great feeling."
The All-Star berth culminates a remarkable rebound season for Jeffress, who's shaken off his dismal 2017 campaign to become an indispensable and virtually unhittable member of the Brewers' bullpen. In 44 appearances this season, the 30-year-old has posted a minuscule 0.84 WHIP, while striking out 47 batters, and walking just 13. His 0.99 ERA is the lowest among all qualified National League relievers.
Jeffress' selection means that the Brewers will have a franchise-record five All-Stars at this year's contest in Washington, D.C. He'll be joined at the Midsummer Classic by teammates Josh Hader, Lorenzo Cain, Christian Yelich, and final vote winner Jesus Aguilar.