Yonder Alonso, whose career year has featured a new power stroke, is an All-Star for the first time.
The A’s first baseman was named to the American League All-Star team Sunday, and the improvement in his power numbers is a big reason.
Alonso has 17 home runs after not reaching double figures in his first seven seasons. Last year, he homered seven times.
Being included in this particular All-Star Game will have extra meaning to Alonso because it’ll be played in Miami, his offseason home.
Alonso’s family escaped from Cuba when he was 10, and he played at the University of Miami.