Yankees' Brett Gardner Replaces Injured Alex Gordon On AL All-Star Team
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner is an All-Star for the first time, picked as a replacement for injured Kansas City star Alex Gordon.
The Yankees made the announcement on their public-address system after the fourth inning of Thursday's game against Oakland. Gardner, who was making warmup tosses, did not react — the team said he did not know in advance. He received congratulations when he returned to the dugout in the middle of the inning.
He joins teammates Mark Teixeira and Dellin Betances on the American League roster for Tuesday's game in Cincinnati.
Orioles center fielder Adam Jones will replace Gordon in the starting lineup for the AL.
Gordon, elected to start for the AL team, sustained a severe groin strain while tracking down a fly ball Wednesday night against Tampa Bay and is expected to be sidelined for at least eight weeks.
Gardner was on the fan ballot for the AL's final roster spot but was fourth behind Mike Moustakas, Brian Dozier and Yoenis Cespedes. Voting ends Friday afternoon.
Gardner is having a brilliant season for the Bombers, batting .303 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. He's hit 21 doubles, stolen 15 bases and posted a .381 on-base percentage.
In New York's 6-2 victory on Thursday, Gardner went 3-for-5 with a home run.
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