Yordan Alvarez and Framber Valdez have been named to the 2023 American League All-Star team, announced by the league late last week. The MLB selected Valdez while Alvarez was named via the player vote.
This is the second consecutive season where both Alvarez and Valdez were named an All-Star, with each player receiving their second nod. Valdez became the first Astros pitcher to earn a victory in the ASG after throwing a scoreless relief inning in 2022.
Also, with the Astros winning the World Series last season, Dusty Baker and his coaching staff will lead the American League team in the Midsummer Classic on July 11.
This marks the 29th All-Star selection for the Astros since 2017, which is the most in the AL during that span.
This year’s festivities will take place at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, WA. Seattle previously hosted the All-Star game twice, with the most recent coming in 2001. FOX will broadcast the game with their telecast beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Late Tuesday night, Kyle Tucker was also added to the ASG as the third Astro headed to Seattle. This is the second straight season Tucker has been named an All-Star.
ASTROS ALL-STAR GAME NOTES
STARTING PITCHERS: Five Astros pitchers have started the All-Star Game. They are Justin Verlander (2019); LHP Dallas Keuchel (2015); RHP Roger Clemens (2004); RHP Mike Scott (1987); RHP J.R. Richard (1980).
HOME RUN DERBY: Alex Bregman is the last Astros player to take part in the Home Run Derby, participating in both 2018 and 2019.
ALL-STAR MVP: The Astros have had one All-Star Game MVP. Bregman earned MVP honors in the 2018 Midsummer Classic after his 10th-inning home run helped lead the AL to an 8-6 win at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
MANAGER/COACHING STAFF: As defending World Series Champions, Dusty Baker and his coaching staff will manage the AL squad. This will mark the fourth time that an Astros manager and his staff will manage an All-Star Game. The other times were in 2022 (AL), 2018 (AL) and 2006 (NL). The Astros staff was in line to manage the 2020 All-Star Game before it was cancelled due to the pandemic.
MULTIPLE STARS: The 29 All-Star selections for the Astros since 2017 are more than any other AL club in that span (source: Elias).