ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ Gleyber Torres is an American League All-Star after all.
The day after Aaron Boone called it "a joke" that Torres wasn't on the squad, the 22-year-old was named to it, replacing the Rays' Brandon Lowe, who was placed on the injured list Thursday with a right shin contusion.
"Everything happens for a reason," Torres said Thursday before the Yankees started a four-game series against the Rays at Tropicana Field. "I feel good for sure."
Torres, who received the news Thursday morning via a phone call from Boone, was also an All-Star in 2018 but was unable to play in the game in Washington because of a right hip strain.
The All-Star Game is Tuesday in Cleveland.
"Super excited, it's a dream come true for sure to be able to play in the All-Star Game," said Torres, whose parents will join him here, then fly to Cleveland on Sunday night. "I can't wait to go to Cleveland to play for the first time."
The infielder to this point has topped the season he had last year when he finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Among the Yankees' most consistent offensive performers this season, the righty-hitting Torres entered Thursday hitting .298 with 19 homers and a .908 OPS in 78 games. Torres, who spent the majority of the season's first half filling in capably for Didi Gregorius at shortstop, became the Yankees' fourth All-Star, joining Gary Sanchez and DJ LeMahieu, who were voted in as starters, and closer Aroldis Chapman.
His consistency with runners in scoring position has been particularly impressive as Torres came into Thursday 28-for-68 (.412) with seven homers and 37 RBIs in such situations this season, including 11 for his last 15 with four homers and seven RBIs since June 11 with RISP.
"I think it's a joke that he's not on that team," Boone said Wednesday at Citi Field before the Yankees beat the Mets, 5-1. "I mean, Gleyber Torres not an All Star? You can kick rocks on that one. That's ridiculous."
Boone, like Torres, was all smiles discussing the topic on Thursday.
"I was very excited, it was a good way to wake up this morning," said Boone, alerted to the Torres news by GM Brian Cashman. "Always fun news to deliver. Very deserving. Man, he's 22 and he's got two (All-Star bids) under his belt now."
Torres' reaction when Boone told him?
"I was hoping to be able to tell him here (at the ballpark) in person but then I realized MLB was going to release it at noon so I was like, 'you better call him,' " Boone said. "I called him this morning and in his very reserved way, I could tell he was really excited."
