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The Detroit Tigers' effort to get out the vote for a Rick Porcello All-Star Game appearance has fallen short. Porcello finished third overall in the AL Final Vote, losing the last roster spot to White Sox left-hander Chris Sale.
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo won the NL Final Vote, making it an all-Chicago sweep for the final two spots in Tuesday's All-Star Game.
A Windy City sweep! @ARizzo44 (8.8 million votes) and Chris Sale (6.7 million) win #FinalVote sponsored by Experian. pic.twitter.com/ioQwE5SKKK
— MLB (@MLB) July 10, 2014
Porcello played the "I was just happy to be nominated" card when asked about not making the team.
Via Jackson Alexander, MLB.com:
"This has been a fantastic experience. I've never been involved in something like this in my career, and obviously, I want to make that team and be there in the All-Star Game, but it doesn't take anything away from how I feel I threw the ball in the first half."
With one start remaining before the break, Porcello has an 11-5 record and 3.72 ERA, easily the best first half of his career. But immediately after the Final Vote candidates were announced, Porcello was unable to take advantage. During a nationally televised loss against the Rays last Sunday night, Porcello's 25 scoreless innings streak was snapped by allowing seven runs and 11 hits in just 5 2/3 innings.
The Tigers end up with three All-Stars - Miguel Cabrera, Max Scherzer and Victor Martinez. Martinez's participation remains a question mark due his lingering side injury. Ian Kinsler, one of the more egregious position player snubs, would be a candidate to replace Martinez if needed.
AL Final Vote:
1. | Chris Sale | Chicago White Sox |
2. | Garrett Richards | Los Angeles Angels |
3. | Rick Porcello | Detroit Tigers |
4. | Corey Kluber | Cleveland Indians |
5. | Dallas Keuchel | Houston Astros |
NL Final Vote:
1. | Anthony Rizzo | Chicago Cubs |
2. | Justin Morneau | Colorado Rockies |
3. | Justin Upton | Atlanta Braves |
4. | Anthony Rendon | Washington Nationals |
5. | Casey McGehee | Miami Marlins |