For the sixth time, Felix Hernandez will represent the Mariners in the All-Star Game after his selection to the American League squad Monday. Hernandez, 10-5 with a 3.02 ERA, is tied for the league lead in wins and ranked T2 in shutouts (2), fifth in WHIP (1.069) sixth in WAR (2.6), and ninth in strikeouts per nine (8.6). Hernandez will vie with Tampa Bay’s Chris Archer, Detroit’s David Price, Houston’s Dallas Keuchel and Oakland’s Sonny Gray to start at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati July 14.
Fernandez joins Nelson Cruz as Seattle’s only 2015 All-Stars. Cruz, with 21 home runs, was voted as the top designated hitter in fan balloting released Sunday night.
The Mariners (38-44) had four All-Stars a year ago. In addition to Hernandez, Robinson Cano, Fernando Rodney and Kyle Seager also made the team. Cano has struggled this year with a .248 batting average and Rodney has been deposed as Seattle’s closer. Seager is hitting .256 with 12 home runs, but Toronto’s Josh Donaldson is at .298 with 19.
Hernandez made his first All-Star team in 2009 and had subsequent appearances every year since 2011. Hernandez’s six All-Star selections are one more in club history by a pitcher than Hall 0f Famer Randy Johnson’s five between 1989-98.
Hernandez opened this season with a 6-0 record, improved to 8-1 but has dropped two of his last three decisions, June 22 vs. Kansas City and July 4 at Oakland. He pitched into the seventh inning 11 times with two shutouts. He fanned 12 Texas Rangers April 18 and had his worst game June 12 when he lasted one out in a 10-0 loss at Houston.
One former Mariner made the All-Star Game roster, Adam Jones. The Baltimore outfielder, sent to the Orioles in the 2008 Erik Bedard trade, will represent the American League for the fifth time, all since leaving Seattle.
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Good to see Adam Jones representing the M’s in All Star game for the 5th time! Oh wait, nevermind….. Just as well for him anyway, if he would’ve stayed here, he would’ve fell victim to the M’s absolutely awful player development & disgustingly pitiful whining/excuses about hitting at Safeco, even though these clowns don’t hit on the road either & other teams can win at Safeco. I guarantee in the history of Safeco, the sorry sack M’s have been out homered & outscored at home. Truly pathetic.