Thanks to a dazzling age-33 campaign, Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada should have been taking the hill for the AL All-Stars in this year’s Midsummer Classic. But alas, it was not meant to be.
According to a report by Barry Davis of Sportsnet on Wednesday, Estrada has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with lingering back pain, making him ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game on July 12. Davis also notes that Estrada’s teammate Aaron Sanchez, who has had an equally impressive season on the mound, could potentially replace him on the team.
Estrada won't pitch this weekend after all. Placed on DL. Can't pitch in ASG now. Could open the door for Sanchez as replacement #BlueJays
— Barry Davis (@SNBarryDavis) July 6, 2016
Estrada, who has gone 5-3 this year with a 2.93 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts, had just been named to the All-Star team on Tuesday along with fellow Blue Jays Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson. It was Estrada’s first All-Star selection in nine MLB seasons.
The Mexican pitcher will still be able to attend the All-Star Game and participate in all non-pitching festivities, and, thanks to the timing of the break, should only miss his next couple of starts for Toronto.
Image Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
H/T Baseball Reddit
