Keeping track of the MLB All-Star rosters can often be a tall task, as injuries mount, situations arise and replacements are named. Red Sox starter Jon Lester was named to the All-Star Game on Sunday, but because he is currently on the disabled list, Ricky Romero of the Toronto Blue Jays will take his place.
Lester was selected to replace the reigning Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez because Hernandez pitched for the Mariners on Sunday. But since Lester is on the 15-day DL with a strained lat muscle, he'll be unable to compete. Therefore, a replacement was needed for the replacement. Enter Romero.
Lester, who said after the initial rosters were announced that he was disappointed he and a few more of his teammates weren't selected, became the second Red Sox player this week to be named as a replacement. Kevin Youkilis replaced Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez on Friday.
Lester is 10-4 with a 3.31 ERA in 18 starts this season. He left his last start against the Blue Jays on Tuesday after four no-hit innings because of the injury. He was then placed on the DL, although he says the injury shouldn't be an issue going forward.
Romero, who was roughed up by the Red Sox on Wednesday, heads to the All-Star Game with a 7-8 record and a 3.09 ERA. Hernandez is 8-7 with a 3.19 ERA.
It was also announced on Sunday that Josh Beckett, who left his start on Friday with a hyperextended knee, has received medical clearance to pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game. Jered Weaver will start for the AL, according to ESPN.com.
