Phillies set incredible new All-Star Game record after latest addition

The Philadelphia Phillies were already well-represented when it was announced that a record seven Phillies players would suit up for the NL in next week’s All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Zack Wheeler, Matt Strahm, Jeff Hoffman and Ranger Suárez were previously announced last Sunday when the full NL All-Star roster was finalized. Now the travelling party to the Lonestar State has gained another passenger as another Phillies player has been added to the All-Star roster.

MLB announced today that Phillies left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sánchez will become the eighth Phillies player selected to be an All-Star, and that the 27-year-old will be taking the place of Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale on the NL roster.

The honor for Sánchez is a major accomplishment for a pitcher who didn't have a guaranteed spot in the Phillies rotation until midway through last season. The underdog story got even better this season as Sánchez has put together his best stretch as an MLB pitcher with a 7-4 record and a 2.96 ERA in 18 starts. Sánchez was recently rewarded for his breakout season with a four-year $22.5 million contract extension with two team options that could keep the first-time All-Star in a Phillies uniform until the 2030 season.

Phillies set incredible new All-Star Game record after latest addition

Phillies fans already had a lot to be excited about when seven players were previously given the All-Star nod. Couple that with top prospects Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller participating in the MLB Future's Game on Saturday, and the festivities in Texas were already very much a Phillie-centric affair.

The addition of Sánchez clearly takes it to another level. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies have now set an MLB record by sending five pitchers to the All-Star game. It should come as no surprise, as this is a Phillies pitching staff has been ranked as one of the best in the game all season long, so the honor is well-deserved.

It's questionable how many Phillies pitchers will actually see time on the mound on Tuesday night, as Zack Wheeler was scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday with back soreness, and Ranger Suárez pitched poorly in Friday night's 6-2 loss against the Oakland A's. Sánchez should be well rested after making his last start on Wednesday, with Hoffman and Strahm strong possibilities to appear depending on workload with two games remaining before the All-Star break.