SEATTLE — Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano is replacing Houston Astros starter Framber Valdez on the American League roster for Tuesday's All-Star Game.
AL manager Dusty Baker of the Astros said the New York Yankees' Gerrit Cole won't pitch in the All-Star Game because he would be on two days' rest following a start Saturday.
Valdez pitched six innings for Houston on Saturday after skipping a turn because of a sprained right ankle. «We can't risk Framber on two or three days' rest for an exhibition game,» Baker said in Houston before the Astros played Seattle on Sunday. «I know it's important, but our season is far more important than the All-Star Game.
It's an honor to maybe start, but if he's pitching on the route he's in, he'll have three or four opportunities to start in the future.