The Philadelphia Phillies continue to prove their star power.
Phillies lefty starting pitcher Cristopher Sánchez was named to the All-Star Game as a replacement for Atlanta Braves SP Chris Sale — who registered his eighth All-Star nod and is scheduled to start for the Braves on Sunday — on the National League team. With Sánchez’s addition, the Phillies now tie the 2023 Braves for the most NL All-Stars from one club.
The Phillies’ five All-Star pitchers — Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez, Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman — is also an MLB record.
Cristopher Sánchez is officially an All-Star!
That makes it EIGHT Phillies heading to Texas 🤩 pic.twitter.com/mhg2L1zzK5
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 13, 2024
The 2024 All-Star Game is Sánchez’s first such appearance. He was rewarded for his remarkable rise in the game last week with a four-year contract worth $22.5 million, major-league sources confirmed to The Athletic. The deal includes two club options — $14 million for 2029 and $15 million for 2030 — to cover what would be his first two free-agent years.
This season, the 27-year-old is 7-4, posting a 2.96 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 103 1/3 innings pitched.
The Phillies boast three All-Star starters, which lead the MLB. First baseman Bryce Harper, third baseman Alec Bohm and shortstop Trea Turner will start, and five players are on the reserve. The eight All-Stars are a club record, ousting the previous record of seven set this year before Sánchez’s listing. Previously, the Phillies had five All-Stars six times in 2011, 2009, 1995, 1981, 1979 and 1976.
The Phillies are first in the MLB at 61-33 with a whopping +119 score differential. They head into the break as the only team with minimum 60 wins.
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