Seemingly everybody knew Jered Weaver of the Angels, with 10 wins and a league-leading 1.92 ERA, would make the American League All-Star team on Sunday morning. However, it was a bit of a surprise that joining Weaver will be teammate Howie Kendrick, voted to his first All-Star squad. The 2011 MLB All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday, July 12 at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Kendrick is enjoying his finest offensive season at the plate, hitting .307/.362/.474 with 40 runs scored and 18 doubles in 70 games. He has mostly played second base, but also has shifted around the diamond depending on the Angels' injury needs, starting 15 games in left field and eight more at first base. Kendrick made the team as a reserve via the players' ballot.
Dan Haren is 8-5 with a 2.85 ERA this season, but was left off the team. He could still make it as a replacement, however, as there are often minor injuries that keep players out of the game, as well as the rule that makes starting pitchers who pitch Sunday before the game ineligible for the All-Star Game.
For more news and Howie Kendrick and the rest of the Angels, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.