Alex Rodriguez’ loss is Kevin Youkilis’ gain.
The Red Sox third baseman, who leads all MLB third sackers in OPS (.884), will replace the Yankee on the American League All-Star team, Major League Baseball announced last night.
It’s the third All-Star nod for Youkilis, and the first since 2009. He’s actually having a down year by his standards: His .393 on-base percentage is one point below his career mark, and well off his last two seasons (.413 and .411).
Fellow Red Sox David Ortiz, Adrian Gonzalez, Jacoby Ellsbury and Josh Beckett will also represent the AL.
