Semien, Yates named to All Star team

Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien and reliever Kirby Yates have been named to the 2024 American League All Star team, it was announced today. It is Semien’s third time making the team and Yates’ second time making the team

Semien was one of the top two votegetters at second base in the general balloting, but finished second behind Jose Altuve in the final round of voting. While Semien has had a down year offensively, slashing .232/.296/.383 in 87 games, he has been one of the best defenders in the game at any position, and has put up 2.3 bWAR/1.9 fWAR so far this season.

Yates took over the closing role for the Rangers this year and has been outstanding, putting up an 0.86 ERA and…