Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Nick Martinez and Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela were named to the American League All-Star roster Friday as injury replacements.
Martinez replaces Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez, while Rafaela took New York Yankees star Aaron Judge's roster spot. It's unclear if Rafaela will also fill Judge's vacant spot in the AL's starting lineup.
Both players will be making their first career All-Star appearances.
Martinez, 35, has been dominant despite sporting a 5.1 K/9 rate and an average fastball velocity that ranks in the 23rd percentile. In 17 starts for the Rays, he owns a career-best 2.61 ERA along with a 1.13 WHIP and just 18 walks in 100 innings.
The nine-year MLB veteran gives the AL-best Rays five All-Stars on this year's squad, including starting third baseman Junior Caminero.
Rafaela is in the midst of a breakout offensive season, hitting a career-best .283/.330/.438 with eight homers, 39 RBIs, and 12 steals across 353 plate appearances. The 25-year-old has also continued to play Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field, tallying 15 defensive runs saved and 11 outs above average with the glove - both tops at his position in the AL.
Rafaela is the fourth Red Sox player to be named a 2026 All-Star, joining Willson Contreras, Aroldis Chapman, and the injured Suarez.
The 96th MLB All-Star Game will be played Tuesday in Philadelphia.
