Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez named to American League all-star team

TORONTO – Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez was named to the American League all-star team on Saturday afternoon.

The announcement came after Sanchez started in Toronto’s 3-2 loss to the visiting Detroit Tigers.

READ MORE: Toronto Blue Jay Michael Saunders wins final vote for last spot on AL All-Star team

He’s been selected to replace Boston Red Sox reliever Craig Kimbrel who went down with an injury on Friday night.

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Sanchez is the fifth Blue Jays to be named an all-star this season.

READ MORE: Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion, Marco Estrada earn all-star honours

Third baseman Josh Donaldson, designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion, starting pitcher Marco Estrada and left-fielder Michael Saunders had already been added to the AL’s roster for the mid-summer classic on July 12.

Estrada will not be able to participate after he was put on the 15-day disabled list with a sore back.

READ MORE: All-Star dream over: Toronto Blue Jays put Marco Estrada on 15-day disabled list

Saunders was elected by an online fan ballot.