The New York Yankees will send pitcher Cam Schlittler, hitter Ben Rice, and outfielder Cody Bellinger to this year's All-Star Game, Major League Baseball announced Saturday. While these three players earned their selections, team captain Aaron Judge, who was also voted in, will be unable to participate due to an existing injury.
Schlittler and Rice, both making their first All-Star appearances, have emerged as significant contributors for the Yankees. Schlittler, a candidate for the Cy Young Award, leads the league with a 2.08 earned run average and has recorded 123 strikeouts in 104 innings pitched, along with a 0.96 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP). Rice has become a potent offensive force, posting a .926 OPS with 24 home runs.
"It's special," Schlittler said of being selected, particularly with Rice, as they both hail from the Boston area. "Both of us being from Massachusetts, that's a great feeling. Being able to share that connection with him. [Rice has] had a great season so far and he deserves it."
Bellinger, in his second season with the Yankees and first under a five-year contract, is making his third All-Star appearance and first since 2019. He was the National League MVP in 2026 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. "It feels good," Bellinger stated. "It's been a while. It's been a long time coming. I'm going to enjoy it — first one with the family. I'm very excited to be there."
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the significance of the selections for his players, especially during a challenging stretch for the team, which has lost eight of its last nine games. "We're in the throes of the season. We're grinding in the middle of the summer here," Boone said. "It's like, pause and honor the people that are going and recognize what a big deal it is."
Schlittler, a seventh-round pick, has seen a significant increase in velocity and effectiveness, becoming a dominant pitcher for the Yankees. Rice, a 12th-round selection, overcame a college career disrupted by COVID-19 to establish himself as one of the league's top hitters. Both players represent successful drafts for the team. The Yankees organization plans to carefully manage Schlittler's workload as they aim for a deep postseason run. "We'll see," Boone said regarding Schlittler's potential participation in the All-Star Game itself, emphasizing the team's priorities.
The selections offer a bright spot for a Yankees team currently navigating a difficult period in their season, highlighting individual achievements amidst team struggles. The All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park.