Phillies breakout lefty set to replace NL Cy Young favorite in All-Star Game

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker announced that National League Cy Young Award favorite Chris Sale will start in Sunday’s contest against the San Diego Padres, indicating he won't be heading to Texas for the All-Star Game on Tuesday.

With the news, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez is set to replace him on the NL All-Star team.

Sanchez has been a standout pitcher this season, showcasing his talent in the Phillies' dominant starting rotation.

The 27-year-old was the fifth pitcher from Philadelphia to make this year’s Midsummer Classic and the eighth player overall, tying the major league record for the most All-Star representatives from one team. However, fellow lefty teammate Ranger Suarez will not attend the ASG, bringing the Phillies' total down to seven.

Through the first half of the season, Sanchez has posted a 2.96 ERA, showcasing his prowess in stifling opposing hitters. A significant factor contributing to the low ERA is his minimal home run allowance, giving up just two all season. Recently, Sanchez has established himself as one of the best arms in the game. In his five starts in June, he posted an impressive 1.64 ERA, striking out 23 batters.

Another notable aspect of Sanchez's dominant performance this season is his ability to pitch deep into games. In ten of his 18 starts, Sánchez has tossed at least six innings, including a complete-game shutout against Miami on June 28.

Using a combination of a sinker, slider and changeup keeps hitters guessing and helps Sanchez navigate challenging lineups. The left-hander looks forward to showcasing his pitch repertoire among the league's best on July 16, 2024, at 8 p.m. EST.