Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts and designated hitter J.D. Martinez are one step closer to the Midsummer Classic.
Both players were voted finalists to represent the American League as starters at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Cleveland next month, the league announced Friday. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts (finished fifth) and third baseman Rafael Devers (finished fourth) did not reach the final round of voting.
Betts joins Michael Brantley (Cleveland Indians), George Springer (Houston Astros), Joey Gallo (Texas Rangers), Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels), Josh Reddick (Astros), Austin Meadows (Tampa Bay Rays), Eddie Rosario (Minnesota Twins) and Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) as the AL’s outfield finalists.
Martinez will face Nelson Cruz (Twins) and Hunter Pence (Rangers) in the final round of voting for the designated hitter slot.
According to MLB, the voting will reset prior to “Election Day”, which takes place over a 28-hour timeframe from June 26-27. The voting during this time will determine the game’s starters.
