Ramirez to start at 3B; Tribe has 5 All-Stars By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | July 2nd, 2017 + 9 COMMENTS DETROIT -- The vote was over and the decision was in. When Jose Ramirez took the field at Comerica Park on Sunday afternoon, he had already been informed of the good news: Fans voted him in as the starting for the All-Star team.

Ramirez then went out and put on a show. The kid with the fire-orange hair and signature strut launched a pair of home runs to help power an 11-8 win over the Tigers. It was a snapshot of why Ramirez earned his ticket to Miami, where he will be joined by Indians All-Stars Michael Brantley, Francisco Lindor, and Corey Kluber. It marks the first time since 2004 that the Indians have sent five players to the Midsummer Classic.

"That shows he deserves to start," Lindor said of Ramirez's third multi-homer game of the season. "That shows why he's going to be a starter in the All-Star Game in Miami. I'm happy for him. I told him I was very proud -- just go out there and enjoy it. Enjoy every second of it." Before Sunday's game, Indians gathered the team to announce the All-Star representatives. Kluber was named to his second straight AL roster -- this time courtesy of the Commissioner's Office. Brantley, Lindor and Miller each got the nod via the players' vote. Ramirez became the first Indians player voted in as a starter since 2001 (Juan Gonzalez). "It's a blessing that God has given to me and I'm going to keep playing hard," Ramirez said through team translator Anna Bolton. "It's something incredible [to win the fan vote]. It's something incredible to have their support. They supported me and supported me until the end, and I'm very, very thankful for that." Francona said it was a celebratory scene inside the visitors' clubhouse, and the party will continue when Cleveland's considerable traveling group lands in Miami. Besides the five All-Stars, Francona is bringing his entire coaching staff, and extended an invitation to Rays manager Kevin Cash (Francona's former coach with the Tribe). Coming off an AL championship, the Indians will have a serious presence at the All-Star Game. "Our organization has come a long way," Francona said. "And I think I'm going to be thrilled when you look around and you see the five players, the coaches. I'm just happy for Cleveland. When people throw on the TV, they're going to see Indians stuff all over the place. I think the fans and the city and everybody should be really proud." Francona said he tried not to get too emotional when he learned that Brantley made the team. The Indians' was limited to 11 games last season due to right shoulder and biceps woes -- injuries that required a pair of surgeries dating back to the end of 2015. This year, Brantley not only beat the odds by returning for Opening Day, but has been impressive through 60 games, posting a .303/.365/.434 slash line with 20 extra-base hits. "It wasn't an easy road," Brantley said. "Two shoulder surgeries. Not knowing whether you're going to be able to play again. To be able to represent the All-Star Game and represent the , it means a lot. A lot of hard work paid off." Coming off a breakout showing last year, which included an All-Star nod and both Gold and Platinum Glove Awards, Lindor has .248 with 14 home runs, 23 doubles and 38 RBIs through 79 games. Miller (a two-time All-Star) has backed up last season's overpowering showing with a 1.49 ERA, 65 and 10 walks in 42 1/3 innings as the Tribe's leverage weapon. Kluber is 7-2 with a 3.02 ERA, 105 strikeouts and 20 walks in 80 1/3 innings. Ramirez is batting .325 with 15 homers, 26 doubles, 42 RBIs, 59 runs and a .963 OPS in 80 games. "I'm glad he made it with the fan vote. That's pretty cool," Miller said. "The sheer amount of fans and media publicity and all that kind of stuff is just a tribute to the season he's having. He's as deserving as anybody. That has to be a pretty neat treat, to start an All-Star Game. He's earned every bit of that." Fans can cast ballots for the 2017 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote on MLB.com, Club sites and their mobile devices until 4 p.m. ET on Thursday. The winners, as chosen exclusively by online fan voting totals, will then be announced during "MLB Tonight" live on MLB Network and MLB.com at 6 p.m. Extensive coverage throughout the Final Vote will be provided by MLB Network and MLB.com, including interviews with the candidates, frequent updates, heat maps indicating where votes are being cast for each candidate, news on player and club campaigns, and a running countdown clock leading up to the announcement. Now in its 16th season, with more than 680 million votes cast, the Final Vote again will include social votes on the last day of balloting, as support for the 10 candidates over the final six hours of balloting will count toward their vote totals. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET on Thursday, any tweet that includes a designated player hashtag will be tabulated as part of the official vote total used to determine the winners. On Tuesday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET, tune in to the 2017 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2017 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote. The 88th All-Star Game, in Miami, will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

Ramirez (2 HRs), Tribe again tag Verlander By Jason Beck and Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | July 2nd, 2017 + 115 COMMENTS DETROIT -- Jose Ramirez homered from both sides of the plate in a four-RBI performance as the Indians again roughed up Tigers ace , this time for seven runs in 3 1/3 innings Sunday afternoon, leading Cleveland to an 11-8 victory in the rubber match of a three-game series at Comerica Park.

"It's been fun to watch," Indians manager Terry Francona said of Ramirez's season. "It's both sides of the plate. He gets so dangerous when he's on one of these [runs]. It's not just getting singles. He's hitting the ball a long way." Over his past 20 games, Ramirez has hit .446 with a 1.393 OPS in 90 plate appearances. In that span, the switch-hitter has nearly four times as many extra-base hits (22) as strikeouts (six). On Sunday, he became the first Indians player to homer from both sides of the plate twice in one season. Two-plus months after the Indians put up nine runs in four innings against Verlander in Cleveland, leading Verlander (5-5) to publicly wonder about tipping pitches and sign stealing, the Tribe left the veteran right-hander without a in a game for the first time in 10 years. Lonnie Chisenhall's two- homer in the second began the barrage. Ramirez hit a solo homer in the third before greeting Chad Bell with a three-run homer in the fourth, his 15th of the season. "First inning, fell behind a couple guys. After that, I just got my butt kicked," Verlander said. Verlander did not record a strikeout in a game for the first time since April 28, 2007, ending a streak of 331 consecutive starts. The streak tied him with for sixth-longest in Major League history. Indians starter Mike Clevinger (4-3) was also wobbly early, walking five of Detroit's first 13 batters, before settling down to retire 11 of the final 12 Tigers he faced. He allowed just one run over six innings. James McCann singled in a run in the seventh before his three-run homer in the ninth, plus a two-run shot, closed the gap before Cody Allen retired Andrew Romine for his 16th . "I'm glad we were up nine instead of six," Francona said. "How many times do you give up six in the ninth inning and win? It's not going to put a damper on the day, because we came out with good energy and played a good game." MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Clevinger leaves them loaded: Before the Indians broke through against Verlander, Clevinger walked the bases loaded in the first, including Castellanos with two outs. After a mound visit from pitching coach , Clevinger put an 0-2 count on Victor Martinez, who flew out to left to end the threat. Clevinger retired Martinez again to strand two runners in the third. "We had the bases loaded, couldn't break through," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "Really, we didn't do much offensively until the end of the game." "That was huge," Clevinger said. "I was just trying to lock back in and get back to attacking, and do away with that nit-picking stuff that we seem to be always talking about." Verlander chased, Bell rung: The Indians fouled off enough Verlander offerings to put him at 77 pitches through three innings, leaving him on the verge of exit. Edwin Encarnacion fought out of an 0-2 count for a one-out single to knock Verlander from the game. Ramirez followed by lining a 2-0 pitch from Bell into the right-field seats for an 8-0 lead. QUOTABLE "You go into it trying to fight for everything and make him fight for everything, and we did a really good job of that. He's one of the most competitive you're ever going to see. And we made him work for everything." --Francona, on facing Verlander "It stinks that it came to an end. I don't know, man, start a new one." --Verlander, on his streak of games with a strikeout SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS In the first, Francisco Lindor sent a barreled line drive (103-mph exit velocity and 26-degree launch angle) to deep center, where Tigers center tfielder Mikie Mahtook ran it down for an out. Entering Sunday, barreled balls had been converted into outs 32.8 percent (63 out of 192) of the time at Comerica Park this season, per Statcast™. In all other Major League ballparks combined, that rate was only 18.1 percent (716 out of 3,949). For the first time in his career, Encarnacion had a triple and a in the same game. WHAT'S NEXT Indians: Following Monday's off-day, ace Corey Kluber (7-2, 3.02 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for the Tribe for a 7:10 p.m. ET tilt against the Padres on Tuesday, the Fourth of July, at Progressive Field. In six June starts, the All-Star righty posted a 1.29 ERA, and became only the fifth player since at least 1913 to have at least 64 strikeouts and no more than seven walks in any single month. Tigers: After an off-day Monday, first-time All-Star Michael Fulmer (7-6, 3.19) goes to work on the July 4 holiday as Detroit opens a three-game series against San Francisco on Tuesday at 1:10 p.m. ET at Comerica Park. Fulmer won Tigers of the Month honors for June, capped by coming within an out of a four-hit shutout of the Royals on Thursday in Detroit.

Valera, Bracho among Tribe's int'l haul By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com | July 2nd, 2017 + 5 COMMENTS The defending American League champions are making their presence felt on the international market.

The club agreed on Sunday, the first day of the 2017-18 international signing period, to a $1.3 million deal with George Valera of the Dominican Republic and a $1.5 million deal with Aaron Bracho of Venezuela. Valera and Bracho are ranked No. 21 and No. 22 on MLBPipeline.com's Top 30 International Prospects list, respectively. In addition to Valera and Bracho, the Indians inked five other players. They agreed to a $400,000 deal with shortstop Jose Tena of the Dominican Republic. They landed infielders Cesar Idrogo and Brayan Rocchio from Venezuela and outfielder Marlin Made and infielder Wilfri Peralta from the Dominican Republic. The club is also the favorite to sign right-handed pitcher Victor Soteldo and outfielder Alexfri Planez, both from Venezuela, when they turn 16 and become eligible to sign in August. • Complete breakdown of where Top 30 international prospects landed Valera is considered among the best on the market and one of the best overall hitters in the class. On offense, the teenager has a smooth and loose left-handed swing with some whip to it. He makes hard contact and can spray the ball to all fields. He projects to hit for average with some power. On defense, he has displayed an above-average arm, an above-average glove and solid defensive actions. Bracho has been praised for his balanced hitting approach at the plate, quick hands and short swing. The switch-hitting infielder has shown the ability to drive the ball into the gaps from both sides of the plate. He makes hard contact and has also shown the ability to hit for power. Bracho has also displayed solid infield actions and a decent glove. His footwork on defense continues to improve. "George and Aaron project as high-ceiling offensive players with a combination of hit-ability and power to go along with athleticism," Paul Gillispie, the Indians senior director of international scouting, said in a release. "We think they have the ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively." "We're incredibly excited about this year's signing class, and we're looking forward to this group of players matriculating into our organization," he added. "Our scouts have worked diligently over the last calendar year to identify and intimately know these players, and we're proud of the tireless effort they've put into the process." According to the new rules established by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, every team gets at least $4.75 million to spend on international prospects. Any team receiving a Competitive Balance Round A pick in the Draft gets $5.25 million in international bonus pool money. Additionally, teams receiving a Competitive Balance Round B pick get $5.75 million to spend. A club can trade as much of its international pool money as it would like, but there is a limit -- 75 percent of a team's initial pool -- to how much one team can acquire. Cleveland's pool total for this year's signing period is $5.75 million.

Morimando notches another shutout • Indians' No. 15 prospect Shawn Morimando is starting to make shutouts seem routine. Morimando pitched his second consecutive shutout for Triple-A Columbus, striking out six and giving up seven hits. The right hasn't given up an in 18 consecutive innings and has pitched a shutout in three of his past four starts.

All-Star Kluber battles SD in holiday opener By Jordan Horrobin / MLB.com | July 2nd, 2017 + 3 COMMENTS Trevor Cahill makes his return to a Major League mound Tuesday for the Padres, in an Independence Day matchup with All-Star Corey Kluber and the Indians at Progressive Field. The clubs had an off-day Monday before beginning their three-game series.

Cahill, who hasn't pitched in the Majors since May 13 due to a right shoulder strain, will be activated from the 10-day disabled list to make his eighth start. He's 3-2 with a 3.27 ERA, but his past three starts (1.56 ERA, 21 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings) have been particularly effective. Kluber had his own DL stint earlier this year, from May 3 to June 1, for a lower back strain. But the former fourth-round pick of the Padres came back strong, going six or more innings in all six of his June starts, with a 1.26 ERA, 64 strikeouts (43 innings) and a .150 opponents' batting average. Three things to know about this game • Cahill made just two starts on his rehab assignment, first on June 22 for Advanced Lake Elsinore (2 2/3 innings, four runs) and then on June 28 for Triple-A El Paso (three innings, two runs). • Kluber continues to whiff batters at a dizzying rate, with six -digit strikeout games in his past eight starts. His best out pitch has been his , which might be the best in the Majors. Among pitchers with at least 60 balls in play via the curveball, Kluber has allowed an MLB-low .088 batting average, according to Statcast™. • Having pitched only for the Indians in his career, Kluber has limited experience against hitters on the roster. He's faced two Padres, including Erick Aybar, who is 7-for-17 (.412) off Kluber.

Covering the Bases: All-Star Edition by Jordan Bastian FIRST: Two years ago, the door to the visitors’ clubhouse at Comerica Park swung open and Francisco Lindor arrived to the big leagues. With good news came some bad, though. His arrival left Jose Ramirez’s in limbo.

Once Lindor took over at shortstop, Ramirez looked blocked upon his demotion to Triple-A. He came up as a , which was locked down by . He moved to short, where Lindor would be entrenched for years to come. Third base? Ramirez barely had any experience at the position.

That made Sunday’s development remarkable.

In the hours before Cleveland’s game against the Tigers, manager Terry Francona rattled off the team’s All-Stars. Lindor made it as a reserve for shortstop. Michael Brantley made it as a backup for left field. Andrew Miller and Corey Kluber were named to the pitching staff.

Ramirez would start for the American League at third base.

“It’s funny to think about that he’s now an All-Star caliber third baseman,” Chris Antonetti, the Indians’ president of baseball operations, said recently. “He hadn’t play third base at all until he arrived at the Major Leagues. We’ve asked a lot of him and his career hasn’t been that smooth arc of a guy that just came to the Major Leagues, had success and ran with it.

“He had some adversity, bounced back and forth, up and down in the Minor Leagues, switched positions, multiple positions a couple times. For him to get through all that and solidify himself as one of the better third baseman in the American League, I think is a testament to his mindset and his work.”

Ramirez is the first Indians starter voted in by the fans since 2001 (Juan Gonzalez) and the youngest since 1990 (Sandy Alomar Jr.). Ramirez is the first Indians third baseman to make the All-Star team since 2000 ().

It’s something incredible,” Ramirez said of being voted in by the fans. “It’s something incredible to have their support. They supported me and supported me until the end, and I’m very, very thankful for that.”

Ramirez played exactly zero innings at third base in the 2011–12 seasons — his first in the Indians’ system. In 2013, he appeared in 10 innings at third in the big leagues and 72 in the Minors. That exposure dropped to 10.1 innings total in 2014. It wasn’t until late in ’15 that Ramirez began getting regular time at the hot corner.

Don’t make the mistake of calling Ramirez a utility man, though. For years, Francona has referred to Ramirez as an everyday player, who plays multiple positions. It’s come in handy.

When Brantley was out with injury in 2016, Ramirez played left. When the Juan Uribe Experiment ended, Ramirez moved to the hot corner last year. This season, Ramirez began the year as the second baseman, while Kipnis was recovering from injury. All the while, Ramirez has worked as the backup shortstop.

What’s incredible about Ramirez — beyond the positional versatility — has been his offensive development. At the time of his demotion in 2015, Ramirez had a .478 OPS. It was hard to envision the kind of potent offensive weapon that the switch-hitter is now for Cleveland.

As of this writing, Ramirez has a .325/.379/.584 slash line with 15 homers, 26 doubles, four triples, 42 RBIs, 59 runs and nine steals in 80 games. In his past 20 games, he has hit at a .446/.489/.904 clip with nearly four times as many extra-base hits (22) as strikeouts (six).

In Sunday’s 11–8 win — after learning he made the All-Star team — Ramirez had two homers, three hits, four RBIs and four runs scored.

“It’s been fun to watch,” Francona said. “It’s both sides of the plate. He gets so dangerous when he’s on one of these [runs]. It’s not just getting singles. He’s hitting the ball a long way. There’s a reason he’s sitting behind Edwin [Encarnacion], because that’s how dangerous he is.” https://medium.com/media/5d4b09990847892f17c9154817d4b4db/href Did Lindor deserve to make the All-Star team? Purely on stats, maybe not. He’ll be the first to admit he’s not having a great year so far. There has been a spike in power, but he’s batting .248. Coming off a stellar 2016 campaign, in which he won Gold and Platinum Awards, it was Lindor’s peers who punched his ticket to his second All-Star Game in a row.

“It’s extremely special,” Lindor said. “I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me. There’s not a day that doesn’t go by that I take that for granted. I respect everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in the All-Star Game over there, seeing the fans, seeing my teammates. It’s going to be a special moment.”

SECOND: Brantley seemed like a long shot for Opening Day, given the complicated nature of the injuries he was attempting to return from this year. He defied the odds, made the roster and is now, again, an All-Star.

Was there ever a time in the past two years that Brantley thought he might not make it back?

“A time? Months,” Brantley said. “Absolutely. If anybody has major surgery, they’ll tell you there’s a lot of rough nights, a lot of rough days, a lot of rough weeks, months at times. I’m coming off two shoulder surgeries. The first one didn’t work out so well, so I had to do it again.

“You’re just trying to keep a positive attitude and making sure that you’re doing the right things that are necessary, but nothing was guaranteed. It was a lot of hard work.”

Maybe Brantley wouldn’t be your pick to be among the American League’s All-Star outfielders this year. But, guess what? He was picked by the players. That alone should show you the kind of respect he has garnered around the game.

“On so many levels, its’ such a good story,” Francona said. “It was probably the one guy where, I try not to get emotional out there, because I don’t want to embarrass myself. But, because I know what he went through, and I don’t think he needs vindication or whatever, but boy, what a nice honor.

“All last year when we were in that playoff run, he was back in the training room doing his stuff. That’s not real glamorous to do. He stayed there during the winter. And now he gets to go represent the Indians as an All-Star. That’s incredible.”

How close is Brantley to being himself again? Let’s compare now to 2015.

2015: .310/.379/.480, .368 wOBA, 133 wRC+, 92.6 Con%, 3.1 SwK% 2017: .304/.367/.438, .347 wOBA, 115 wRC+, 87.4 Con%, 5.6 SwK%

There’s been a little more swing and miss, but that’s been improving as the season has worn on. Otherwise, he’s relatively close to his output from the 2015 campaign. That said, Brantley has a lot more rehab maintenance to stay on top of behind the scenes now, and there are still 3–4 months to go.

What does this All-Star appearance mean to Brantley?

“Hopefully that people know how hard I worked to get back,” he said. “It wasn’t an easy road. Two shoulder surgeries. Not knowing whether you’re going to be able to play again. To be able to represent the All-Star Game and represent the Cleveland Indians, it means a lot. A lot of hard work paid off.”

THIRD: A month ago, Carlos Carrasco looked like the leading candidate to make the AL All-Star team out of the Tribe’s rotation. Kluber closed that gap, and leapfrogged by the big right-hander, in a short amount of time.

Kluber’s historic June showing (1.29 ERA, 64 strikeouts, seven walks) helped vault him to the top section of the AL leaderboard in a variety of stats. He did that after missing a month with a back issue.

Here were his AL ranks as of Sunday: 3.02 ERA (4) 2.60 FIP (2) 2.7 fWAR (t-4) 33.4 K% (2) 27.1 K-BB% (2) 5.25 K/BB (3) 11.8 K/9 (2) 105 K (5) 1.00 WHIP (2) .205 AVG (4) 80.1 IP (34) “He literally pitched his way right [on the roster],” Francona said. “When you miss a month [that’s hard to do]. “But I think his body of work over years now [speaks for itself] and the way he’s been pitching lately. He’s an All-Star.”

Might Cleveland net a sixth All-Star before the process is complete? Kluber is currently lined up to pitch on Sunday for the Indians, and that could take him out of the mix for the Midsummer Classic. It would be up to Kluber and the Indians. And that could necessitate a roster replacement.

“Hopefully we can get even more,” Miller said. “It’s a credit to the kind of team I think we can be. I’m just happy for the guys who made it. I think it’ll be a lot of fun to be there with Tito and our staff.”

HOME: Ramirez’s performance over the past month or so (.400/.441/.741 over his past 34 games) made him a no-brainer for inclusion on the AL All-Star roster. Miller was the other obvious selection.

Since joining the Indians via trade last summer, Miller has turned in a 1.51 ERA with 111 strikeouts against 12 walks in 71.1 innings. Add in last season’s postseason, and Miller has a 1.49 ERA with 141 strikeouts and 17 walks in 90.2 innings in a Tribe uni.

This year, Miller has a 1.49 ERA with 65 strikeouts and 10 walks in 42.1 innings as the Indians’ relief ace.

“We feed off each other and make each other better,” Miller said of the Tribe’s bullpen. “We’re an important part of this team and that’s a lot of fun. The bullpen, sometimes you don’t feel that way. We feel like we’re a contributing part of this team and hopefully we can help us go far.”

Going to Miami: Jose Ramirez voted All-Star starter as five Indians named to AL squad by T.J. Zuppe, Yesterday DETROIT — A few short years ago, Jose Ramirez was just the man keeping shortstop warm until Francisco Lindor's arrival. And after Lindor's promotion, Ramirez became a man without a position or guaranteed roster spot. But he's not just some replaceable stopgap anymore. Those days are gone — much like the perception that Ramirez could never be an impact player.

Now, you can now add All-Star to his resume.

Ramirez was named the starter at third for the AL, earning the most votes at the position with a late surge to overtake Miguel Sano of the Twins. He is the first member of the Indians to be voted in as an All-Star starter since Juan Gonzalez in 2001 and will serve as the team's first starter in the Midsummer Classic since Asdrubal Cabrera replaced an injured in 2011.

“It's something incredible to have their support,” Ramirez said of winning the fan vote at third base (via a translator). “They supported me and supported me until the end, and I'm very, very thankful for that.”

In addition to Ramirez, the Indians will send four more players to Miami, including reliever Andrew Miller, starter Corey Kluber, outfielder Michael Brantley and shortstop Francisco Lindor. Terry Francona will manage the AL squad, and the rest of the Indians' coaching staff will also head to Miami for the festivities.

The five All-Stars marks the most for the Tribe since 2004.

“I sent Chris [Antonetti] a message this morning,” Francona said, “and I just said, ‘I hope you’re proud.' Because I think our organization has come a long way. And I think I’m going to be thrilled when you look around, and you see the five players, the coaches, I’m just happy for Cleveland. Like I said when people throw on the TV they’re going to see Indians stuff all over the place. I think the fans and the city and everybody should be really proud.”

A big day at the plate for Jose Ramirez highlighted Sunday's win. (Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports) Ramirez hasn't just been the most productive third baseman in the American League this season, he's also been a top five player in the league in wins above replacement. Ramirez is hitting .325 with 15 homers, 45 extra-base hits, 42 RBI and 59 runs scored in 80 games. He even managed to go wild in Sunday's 11-8 win over the Tigers, clubbing a pair of homers and knocking in four runs.

Great timing on his part, helping to prove why he's deserving of the nod.

“I feel really happy,” Ramirez said. “It's a blessing that God has given to me and I'm going to keep playing hard.”

Ramirez's career has taken many unexpected turns, none bigger than his emergence as one of baseball's most special young players over the past two years. It might have been hard to envision that back in 2013, when Ramirez, 20 years old at the time, earned an unexpected call up to serve as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement late in the season. It was his first taste of the majors after being signed as a non-drafted free agent in Nov. 2009 out of the Dominican.

After playing in 15 games in 2015, he played in 68 more in 2014, slashing .262/.300/.346 in 237 at-bats.

He opened the 2015 campaign as the Tribe's starting shortstop, but he struggled immensely in the first two months — perhaps impacted by the impending arrival of Lindor, the club's top prospect — and was later demoted. At that point, it was tough to know if he would ever become anything more than a utility player without much offense. He was recalled for the final two months of that season, contributing a much more respectable .775 OPS down the stretch.

That better play was a glimpse of what was to come, but no one knew the magnitude of the jump he'd take in 2016 season. Ramirez seized an opportunity to play more in the absense of Michael Brantley, logging most of his time in left field before eventually transitioning back to the infield at third base, a position he hadn't played at any point until 2013. He wouldn't just fill Brantley's playing time, he'd also hit like the consistent offensive performer, hitting .312 with an .825 OPS in 152 games, swatting 11 homers and helping lead his club to the 2016 .

That stellar play helped him earn a five-year, $26 million extension in the offseason — a deal that is looking more and more like an absolute steal.

“If you would have seen the way the clubhouse reacted when we told them, the whole clubhouse reacted,” Francona said. “It was pretty cool. That was fun to see.”

Added Lindor: “If there’s one guy on the team that deserves it, [Ramirez] does.” Lindor, joining his teammate on the left side of the infield, earned his second consecutive All-Star nod and will serve as a backup for the American League. The star shortstop was voted in by his peers, entering Sunday's game with the fourth-highest OPS among AL (.773) and fifth-best WAR (1.9).

He was slashing .250/.311/.462 prior to the series finale with the second-most homers in the league at the position (14). His numbers might not be as strong as some of the other AL shortstops, but the respect of his peers was enough to get him in.

“It’s going to be very special,” Lindor said. “Last year was a special [time], this one is going to be a special one as well, because the coaching staff, a lot more teammates that are going with me. It’s going to be cool. I’m definitely looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to seeing my family over there. I’m very appreciative. It’s a blessing. I thank everyone in the big leagues that voted for me.” Miller was also selected by the players, perhaps a tip of the cap from all the batters he's made look foolish over the past several years.

The lefty is proof that your best reliever doesn't necessarily have to pitch the ninth, and since arriving in Cleveland at last year's trade deadline, he's helped change some of that perception around the game. This year, Miller has posted a sparkling 1.49 ERA, fifth-best among AL relievers, and ranks second in AL relief WAR (1.8), trailing only .

Miller, in unselfish fashion, looks at the All-Star nod, his second, as a way to represent the entire Indians bullpen, including Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw.

“It's not just those two guys, who are probably the two most spoken about,” Miller said. “We're deeper than that … It takes more than one or two guys. Hopefully we feed off each other and make each other better. It seems like we're an important part of this team and that's a lot of fun. The bullpen, sometimes you don't feel that way. We feel like we're a contributing part of this team. Hopefully we can help us go far.” Meanwhile, Kluber amazingly missed a month of the season and still managed the All-Star selection from the commissioner's office, a testament to the type of June he put together after returning from a May back injury.

Last month, he posted a 1.26 ERA in six starts, lowering his season to 3.02. Despite the missed time, the Tribe ace also ranks fifth in the league in strikeouts. He is also the first Indians pitcher to earn back-to-back selections since (1955-1957).

“If you've watched the load he's carried for us and what he's done since he's come back from his back injury, it's kind of a no-brainer,” Miller said of Kluber. “He's really, really good. He's as good as they get. We're glad he's on our team. I think he's absolutely a deserving guy and I'm happy for him. He was the winning pitcher in the All-Star Game last year, so we have to bring him back this year, right?”

Forget missing a month, Brantley essentially missed an entire season while dealing with well-documented shoulder problems last year — issues that led to two major surgeries — but the left fielder has returned to form in 2017, slashing .304/.367/.438 entering Sunday's game with 20 extra-base hits, 31 RBI and seven stolen bases.

“I try not to get emotional out there because I don't want to embarrass myself,” Francona said, “but because I know what he went through — and I don’t think he needs vindication or whatever — but boy, what a nice honor. All last year when we were in that playoff run, he was back in the training room doing his stuff. That’s not real glamorous to do. He stayed there during the winter. And now he gets to go represent the Indians as an All-Star. That’s incredible.”

Brantley has been forced to add a lot of maintenance to his everyday routine — things just to stay healthy and on the field — and his nomination from the player vote speaks to the recognition deserved for overcoming a load of adversity.

“It wasn't an easy road,” Brantley said. “Two shoulder surgeries, not knowing whether you're going to be able to play again. To be able to represent the All-Star Game and represent the Cleveland Indians, it means a lot. A lot of hard work paid off.”

Starting 9: just might be Grady Sizemore 2.0 plus more on , Jose Ramirez by Travis Sawchik, 2 hours ago 1. Bradley Zimmer is emerging as an important up-the-middle position player for the Indians, and his presence adds to an impressive collection of young, core talent who include Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor. Zimmer is intriguing because he is already helping fill a void at a much- needed position, he is loaded with tools, and he is improving as a rookie at the major league level.

Consider Zimmer's highlight catch Saturday in Detroit: It was his second excellent catch of the week, which included this four-star catch on a batted ball with a 46 percent hit probability: Zimmer's range and glove were primary reasons the Indians called up the University of San Francisco product before clearly passing the Super 2 demarcation line. The Indians could be at risk of having to pay Zimmer another year of arbitration. But the Indians desperately needed to upgrade their defense. Recall, Lonnie Chisenhall was starting in center field earlier this season.

2. Range includes instincts, first-step quickness and route efficiency, skills Zimmer has showcased in the majors. Zimmer appears to read and track the ball well, and what is perhaps surprising is the level of Zimmer's speed. Last week MLB unveiled a new Statcast tool “sprint speed” which evaluates the speed of all major leaguers, measuring “feet per second in a player’s fastest one-second window.”

According to the Statcast measurements, Zimmer's max speed is the third fastest in the game, as he is capable of covering 29.8 feet in a second at top speed. That rate trails only Billy Hamilton (30.1 feet), Byron Buxton (29.9 feet) and Raimel Tapia (29.8 feet). Consider Zimmer's placement on the following chart: 3. Zimmer also has burgeoning power. He posted isolated power marks above .200 at Triple-A earlier this season and at Double-A last season. He has a .175 mark this season in the majors, and that should improve with experience. The center-field average in the majors is .164. He is also improving contact ability. Zimmer posted a 29 percent strikeout rate in Triple-A this season to his 26 percent rate in the majors.

4. Zimmer rebuilt his swing in the middle of the minor league season last year, adding more loft to harness his natural power potential. But it is how he is improving his contact ability on the fly in the middle of his first major league season that is so impressive.

Consider Zimmer's rolling 15-game strikeout rate: (The dotted horizontal line represents the league-average rate)

Zimmer has all the raw tools a team would want in a center fielder, and what is so encouraging for the Indians is Zimmer is adding polish to his hit tool and is tapping into his power. The improvement speaks not only to his athletic gifts but also to his aptitude. He has all the ingredients to have a ceiling somewhere within the Grady Sizemore zip code.

With Zimmer joining young stars like Ramirez and Lindor, with prospects like Francisco Mejia, Bobby Bradley and Greg Allen moving to the majors, it is possible if not probable the Indians will be in possession of one of the best collections of young position player talent in the game.

5. Trevor Bauer continues to lean on his best pitch, his curveball.

He has thrown the pitch at a 30 percent or greater frequency in 10 major league starts, and all 10 starts have come this season, including in seven consecutive starts since his career-best 14-strikeout game May 30. In that period, covering 37 2/3 innings, Bauer has a 3.82 ERA and 3.40 FIP. Those are not the numbers of an ace, but they are considerable steps forward, and that stretch included a start at Coors Field. In that period, 36 percent of Bauer’s pitches have been , which has been by far the best pitch of his career — and his best performing pitch this season.

Bauer has wisely simplified and elected to join the curveball revolution as reported on last week.

Bauer’s improvement, the return of Corey Kluber, the intrigue of Mike Clevinger — Clevinger's generates the most whiffs per swing among major league starters — and the upside wild card that is Danny Salazar are reasons for the Indians should not overpay for pitching before the trade deadline in what will likely be a seller’s market.

6. In speaking with reporters last week, club president Chris Antonetti did not sound like a desperate decision maker (playing in the AL Central helps).

“I think with the way our team has taken shape this year,” Antonetti said, “there's a pretty high bar for the guys that we have internally and what we feel they're capable of producing. So, going out externally to the trade market to try to acquire players, it's a high threshold to clear, We do feel like we have some quality alternatives internally. …

“I think what we've seen with Danny specifically, what he's capable of doing when he's healthy and pitching the way he's capable of, he made the All-Star team in the first half of last year. And he's pitched in a very meaningful playoff game for us in 2013 and was dominant in that stretch there. He's had periods of time where he's been among the best pitchers in baseball. So, if we can get him back at the level he's capable of pitching, that would be a huge boost for our team.” Salazar has been out of sight, but he should not be out of mind. And the Indians might be better off looking for answers within this deadline.

7. The Futures Game should be about as interesting for Indians fans as the All-Star Game as top position prospect, Mejia, and top pitching prospect, Triston McKenzie, will participate. The switch-hitting Mejia has added power. He has hit nine home runs and has a paltry 14 percent strikeout rate, helping him to a .341/.385/.571 Double-A slash line. The rail-thin but talented McKenzie continues to rise up prospect lists. 8. Why were Indians fans so hard on catcher last week at Progressive Field? It was Lucroy's veto that allowed the Indians to retain Mejia, who headlined the proposed deal. Perhaps that should serve as a reminder to be careful about being too aggressive at the deadline. Not that the Indians regret the Andrew Miller deal, but was called up this weekend and homered and doubled Saturday for the Yankees. All clubs must be careful about sacrificing too much of tomorrow for today.

9. LeBron James wondered aloud why there is a cap on players' earnings in the NBA earlier this week, and the top players in the NBA are underpaid in comparison to what their open-market value would be in a no-cap system. Imagine what LeBron would earn with an MLB-like system in place? But the majority of NBA players should be wary of life in a non-cap environment. For years, the stronger MLB players' union has fought at all costs against a cap, including the using the nuclear option, the 1994-95 strike, to avoid placing constraints on earnings. But while a cap-less system has helped baseball’s elite, it has hurt the majority of its constituency, it has hurt its middle class.

Without a cap, there is no floor, which means there are no mechanisms forcing MLB owners to spend. If MLB teams had an NBA-like revenue split, a number of teams would be below the salary floor.

STAT OF THE WEEK: 0 Strikeouts by Justin Verlander on Sunday, snapping a streak of 331 consecutive starts with at least one strikeout.

STAT OF THE WEEK II: 3 Jose Ramirez’s team best Wins Above Replacement to date, trailing only , Mike Trout, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and among AL position players. (Twins third baseman Miguel Sano entered Sunday with 2.3 WAR). Ramirez is playing like an All-Star Game starting third baseman. In fact, he’s hitting his way into the MVP discussion.

STAT OF THE WEEK III: $23.4 million Ramirez’s surplus value — market value minus actual wages — to the club. Ramirez signed a five-year, $26-million deal before the season with club options for 2022 and 2023. It looks like one of the great team-friendly contracts in the sport.

HE SAID IT “I probably don't stop to think about it very often, because you get so immersed in what we're doing. You almost get like tunnel vision. I know a lot of days, we laugh about it. Like Sunday mornings when we're on the road, and we'll be driving to the ballpark and you'll see people heading out on like picnics and you're like, ‘What is that?' Because we've never done it. But, I don't know. I don't want to get too deep, but it was a good feeling.” — Terry Francona on watching a game form a distance due to illness. The good news is doctors have not found any serious health problems in their testing of Francona.

TRIBE NOTES Indians: Jose Ramirez voted to start All-Star Game, will be joined by 4 teammates The Chronicle-TelegramPublished on July 3, 2017 Indians manager Terry Francona will have plenty of company at the All-Star Game.

Jose Ramirez was voted the American League starter at third base for the Midsummer Classic on July 11 in Miami. Corey Kluber, left-handed reliever Andrew Miller, outfielder Michael Brantley and shortstop Francisco Lindor were also chosen.

Ramirez edged Toronto’s Josh Donaldson in the voting done by fans and will make his first appearance in the All-Star Game.

Ramirez made a convincing final statement Sunday, homering twice in an 11-8 win over Detroit.

“That shows he deserves to start,” Lindor said, according to MLB.com. “That shows why he’s going to be a starter in the All-Star Game in Miami. I’m happy for him. I told him I was very proud — just go out there and enjoy it. Enjoy every second of it.”

Francona will manage the AL stars after leading the Indians to the pennant last season.

Before the game Sunday he announced Cleveland’s representatives.

“Our organization has come a long way,” Francona said. “And I think I’m going to be thrilled when you look around and you see the five players, the coaches.

“I’m just happy for Cleveland. When people throw on the TV, they’re going to see Indians stuff all over the place. I think the fans and the city and everybody should be really proud.”

Kluber is headed to the All-Star Game for the second straight year after being picked by the commissioner’s office. Brantley, Lindor and Miller were voted in by the players.

Ramirez had a breakout season last year and hasn’t slowed down. He has 15 homers, 42 RBIs and is hitting .325 through 81 games.

“It’s a blessing that God has given to me and I’m going to keep playing hard,” Ramirez said through team translator Anna Bolton. “It’s something incredible (to win the fan vote). It’s something incredible to have their support. They supported me and supported me until the end, and I’m very, very thankful for that.”

Brantley finished fourth in the fan voting for outfielders. He missed nearly all of last season with injuries but looks like his old self and is hitting .303.

“It wasn’t an easy road,” Brantley said. “Two shoulder surgeries. Not knowing whether you’re going to be able to play again. To be able to represent the Cleveland Indians, it means a lot. A lot of hard work paid off.”

TRIBE NOTES Indians 11, Tigers 8: Jose Ramirez hits 2 homers; Tribe chases Justin Verlander early and without a strikeout The Associated PressPublished on July 3, 2017 | Updated 7:03 a. m. DETROIT — For the second time this season, the Cleveland Indians slugged their way past Justin Verlander, sending the Detroit star to an early exit.

This time, they ended a decade-long streak in the process.

Jose Ramirez homered from both sides of the plate, and Cleveland snapped Verlander’s run of 331 consecutive games with at least one strikeout, chasing the right-hander in the fourth inning of an 11-8 win over the Tigers on Sunday. Verlander had not gone without a strikeout since April 28, 2007, when he lasted only three innings against Minnesota.

“You go into it trying to fight for everything, and make him fight for everything,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “We did a really good job of that. He’s one of the most competitive pitchers you’re ever going to see, and we made him work for everything.”

Verlander (5-5) allowed seven runs and nine hits with three walks in 31 ⁄3 innings. In April, the Indians scored nine runs in four innings against him. Verlander did beat Cleveland in early May.

He was tied with Curt Schilling for the sixth-longest streak since 1913 of games with a strikeout, but the Indians wouldn’t allow him to go any higher on the list.

“I wasn’t getting swings and misses with anything today,” Verlander said. “I thought that had been better lately, but not today.”

Mike Clevinger (4-3) allowed a run and two hits in six innings. He walked five and struck out seven.

The Indians held on after Detroit scored six runs in the ninth inning, including homers by James McCann and Nicholas Castellanos. Cody Allen retired the final batter for his 16th save in 17 chances.

Ramirez hit a solo homer in the third and a three-run shot off reliever Chad Bell in the fourth. Lonnie Chisenhall hit a two-run homer in the second for Cleveland.

The Indians led 4-1 after three innings, and Verlander began the fourth by walking Jason Kipnis, who was 6-for-55 against the Detroit right- hander. After a one-out single by Michael Brantley, Edwin Encarnacion — who was 3-for-31 against Verlander — singled home a run.

“I feel great, my arm feels great, my body feels great. This was just one of those days,” Verlander said. “I went back and looked at some of the pitches, and there were a couple that were terrible, and others where I made my pitch and they hit it.”

After Tigers manager Brad Ausmus came out to remove Verlander in the fourth, Ramirez followed with his 15th of the year, giving the Indians an 8-1 lead.

Encarnacion hit an RBI triple in the sixth and scored on Carlos Santana’s two-run double.

McCann hit a three-run homer and Castellanos added a two-run shot in the ninth. Allen came in with a runner on first for the one-out save.

Keeping it up

Ramirez hit .367 in June and is already off to a fine start in July. He homered Saturday as well in the second game of a doubleheader.

“He’s my favorite baseball player,” Clevinger said. “Every day, he comes to the field ready to play.”

Unpleasant memory

Detroit (36-45) has its worst record at the 81-game mark since 2003, when the Tigers were 20-61 and went on to an American League-record 119 losses.

Trainer’s room

Tigers: OF , who sat out Saturday’s doubleheader with right side soreness, missed Sunday’s game as well.

Up next

Indians: Cleveland has today off before hosting San Diego on Tuesday night. RHP Corey Kluber (7-2) will start for the Indians. He’s reached double-digit strikeouts in four straight starts, matching ’s franchise record.

Peoples leads RubberDucks 6-1, Baysox win 5-2 in doubleheader split Michael Peoples hasn’t enjoyed the same level of success this season as he did last year, but Sunday may represent a turning point for the tall right-hander.

The winner of the Bob Feller award as the Indians minor league pitcher of the year for his stellar performance with the RubberDucks in 2016, the 6-foot-5 Peoples has experienced something of a bumpy road so far in 2017.

In his first start on the friendly grounds of Canal Park in more than two months, Peoples (2-3, 4.02 ERA) allowed just one run in six solid innings as the Ducks captured the front end of an Eastern League doubleheader, 6-1 over the Bowie Baysox before 5,683 sun-drenched fans.

The Baysox gained a split with a 5-2 victory in the second game but the Ducks (40-37) remained in first place in the Western Division, one-half game over both the Baysox and the Altoona Curve.

The second game was a makeup game after a rainout on Friday. Each game was seven innings.

The Ducks will look to gain a split of the four-game series when they conclude the current homestand at 7:05 p.m. Monday against the Baysox.

“We were out of sync a little bit,” Peoples said. “This was the best my delivery’s felt. Threw the ball well. Worked on bringing along the cutter, threw that a lot today and got some good results with it.

“Defense played a heck of a game behind me. Bobby Bradley — if he doesn’t make that diving catch there at first base, who knows what happens.”

With a runner on first and no outs in the third inning, Bradley fielded a hard smash by Bowie’s Cedric Mullins and threw to second for a forceout. Mullins barely beat the return throw to first for the would-be double play. That preserved a 3-0 lead. Peoples allowed a run in the fifth but the Ducks scored three times in the sixth and it was 6-1.

Ducks right-hander Cameron Hill allowed one hit in a scoreless seventh, striking out two.

Peoples went 12-6 with a 3.68 ERA for the Ducks last year. He started this season in Akron before a promotion in early May to Triple-A Columbus, where he was 1-4 with a 7.15 ERA.

This was his second game back with the Ducks, losing 5-4 at Richmond June 25. But he said Sunday’s effort was “probably the best I’ve felt all year.”

“Just being in sync,” Peoples said. “Changed a few things. They haven’t come along as quickly as we’ve hoped, but they’re getting there. We’re starting to get in a better spot so excited about the next couple starts.”

Francisco Mejia, the league’s leading hitter at .343, had two hits in four at-bats in the opener and seven other Ducks contributed one hit apiece.

Todd Hankins walked and Mike Papi singled to start the Ducks’ first and Mejia delivered the first run with a single to right off Baysox left-hander Tanner Scott (0-1), a Mogadore native and current resident who graduated from Warren Howland High School.

After Scott struck out two, he walked Tyler Krieger and Dorssys Paulino to force in the second run.

Bradley singled with one out in the third and scored on Krieger’s two-out single to make it 3-0.

Austin Wynns tripled and scored on Stevie Wilkerson’s groundout in the fifth for the Baysox’s lone run.

Peoples allowed five hits and one walk and struck out three.

“Much better life on his today,” Ducks manager Mark Budzinski said of Peoples. “Had a good cutter working today as well. Mixed in a and when he had to. Definitely happy for him and the direction he’s heading.”

In the sixth, a one-out single by Paulino, back-to-back doubles by Joe Sever and Mark Mathias and a single by Hankins plated three insurance runs.

Hits were hard to come by in the second game against the Baysox right-hander David Hess (8-5), who gave up just three in six innings. Two of those were in the first inning, when the Ducks took a 2-1 lead.

Jordan Smith led off with a walk, Mike Papi singled and both moved up on Mejia’s sacrifice bunt. Bradley then smacked a two-run single to left center, scoring both. But Hess then put up five scoreless innings.

Ducks starter D.J. Brown (0-5) allowed three runs in four innings.

“You always think you want to sweep a doubleheader,” Budzinski said. “We had some opportunities early in the game to get Hess on the ropes. He did a good job after we scored the first two runs, keeping us off balance.”

Clippers 2, Mud Hens 0 | Solo homer, gem by Morimando halts skid The Clippers’ offense continued to struggle — managing just two hits Sunday — but Columbus got a solo home run from Nellie Rodriguez and a seven-hit shutout by Shawn Morimando to defeat the host 2-0 before 9,546 at Fifth Third Field.

Rodriguez’s 10th homer, off Toledo starter Matthew Boyd, snapped a 15-inning scoreless streak for the Clippers and gave them a 1-0 lead in the eighth inning.

The Clippers added the final run in the ninth without a hit when reliever Arcenio Leon walked Daniel Robertson, and Richie Shaffer to start the inning. Logan Kensing replaced Leon, and Robertson scored when Giovanny Urshela grounded into a double play. Eric Stamets popped out to end the threat.

Morimando (8-5) closed it out with a scoreless ninth. He allowed seven hits — all singles — with a walk and six strikeouts, helping end the Clippers’ four-game losing streak.

While the Columbus offense has managed only six runs the past four games, the pitching staff has been exceptional by allowing only four earned runs in the past 31 1/3 innings.

Boyd (3-1) took the loss despite pitching two-hit ball for eight innings. He struck out seven and walked two.

Robertson singled in the fourth for the Clippers’ only other hit.

Indians notebook: Five Indians players selected to 2017 All-Star Game; Jose Ramirez to start at 3B By Ryan Lewis DETROIT: Five Indians players will represent the American League in the 2017 All-Star Game. Third baseman Jose Ramirez, outfielder Michael Brantley, starting pitcher Corey Kluber, shortstop Francisco Lindor and Andrew Miller will all be making the trip to Miami for the All-Star Game on July 11. Manager Terry Francona and the entire Indians coaching staff will also complete the Indians representatives. The selections were announced Sunday night. Ramirez will be in the starting lineup for the American League at third base, having been voted in by the fans. Brantley, Lindor and Miller were all selected by the players’ vote. Kluber was added to the roster by the commissioner’s office. The Indians’ five selections are their most since they sent five to the 2004 All-Star Game. “I sent [president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti] a message this morning and I just said, “I hope you’re proud,’ because I think our organization has come a long way,” Francona said. “And I’m going to be thrilled when you look around, and you see the five players, the coaches, I’m just happy for Cleveland. When people throw on the TV they’re going to see Indians stuff all over the place. I think the fans and the city and everybody should be really proud.” Ramirez has built on his breakout 2016 season with a torrid 2017 season, emerging as one of the top third basemen in baseball. Ramirez’s 3.0 WAR entering Sunday, per , was first among third basemen and sixth among all position players in the AL, and that was before he hit two home runs and drove in four in the Indians’ 11-8 win over the . He’s now hitting .325 and leads the AL with 45 extra-base hits. “He deserves it. If there’s one guy on the team that deserves it, he does,” Lindor said of Ramirez. “Every one of the guys that made it deserve it as well, but he’s been helping us win, day in and day out. I’m looking forward to seeing him opening the All-Star Game.” Ramirez trailed Minnesota’s Miguel Sano in the fan vote, which determiners the starters in the All-Star Game, by more than 200,000 votes with only a few days left before Thursday’s deadline. Thanks to the fans, Ramirez charged back to win it. He will be the Indians’ first starting position player since Juan Gonzalez in 2001 and the club’s youngest since Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1990. “It’s something incredible. It’s something incredible to have their support,” Ramirez said. “They supported me and supported me until the end, and I’m very, very thankful for that.” Brantley is making his second All-Star appearance, this one with some extra meaning with it coming a year after he could only play in 11 games in 2016 because of multiple surgeries. Brantley essentially an entire year and had question marks surrounding his shoulder and future entering this season. He’s now headed to Miami, highlighting an emotional, lengthy road back to the lineup. “It wasn’t an easy road,” Brantley said. “Two shoulder surgeries. Not knowing whether you’re going to be able to play again. To be able to represent the All-Star Game and represent the Cleveland Indians, it means a lot. A lot of hard work paid off.” Brantley this season was hitting .304 with a .367 on-base percentage, five home runs, 15 doubles, 31 RBI and seven stolen bases entering Sunday. Francona tried not to be emotional while announcing Brantley’s selection to the team prior to Sunday’s game. “It was probably the one guy where — I try not to get emotional out there because I don’t want to embarrass myself, but because I know what he went through, and I don’t think he needs vindication or whatever, but boy what a nice honor,” Francona said. “All last year when we were in that playoff run, he was back in the training room doing his stuff. That’s not real glamorous to do. He stayed there during the winter. And now he gets to go represent the Indians as an All-Star. That’s incredible.” Kluber is making his second consecutive All-Star team despite missing roughly a month of the season with a strained lower back. Kluber was the AL’s best pitcher in the month of June, posting a dominant 4-0 record and 1.26 ERA and striking out 64 hitters. Among qualified starters, Kluber ranks in the top 4 in the AL in pitcher WAR (2.7), FIP (2.60), ERA (3.02), K/9 (11.76) and WHIP (1.00). Only Boston’s can say the same. “If you’ve watched the load he’s carried for us and what he’s done since he’s come back from his back injury, it’s kind of a no-brainer,” Miller said of Kluber. “He’s really, really good. He’s as good as they get.” Lindor has actually had a down year at the plate compared to 2016 but remains among the most valuable at his position, this season hitting .250 with 14 home runs, 23 doubles, 38 RBI and three stolen bases. But he’s also clearly established himself as one of the best all-around shortstops. He’s emerged as one of the faces of the game and a star in Cleveland. Thus, he was recognized by his peers, earning their vote for his second consecutive All-Star appearance. “It’s extremely special. I really appreciate it,” Lindor said. “It means a lot to me. There’s not a day that doesn’t go by that I take that for granted. I respect everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in the All-Star Game over there, seeing the fans, seeing my teammates, it’s going to be a special moment.” Statistically, Miller has been one of the top two relievers in the AL this season. Among qualified AL relievers, he ranks in the top 4 in pitcher WAR (1.8), FIP (1.60), ERA (1.49), K/9 (13.8) and WHIP (0.71). Only Boston’s Craig Kimbrel also ranks in the top 4 in each category. Like Kluber and Lindor, this will be Miller’s second consecutive All-Star appearance. LOADED: 07.03.2017 Five Indians players selected to 2017 All-Star Game; Jose Ramirez to start at 3B By RYAN LEWIS Published: July 2, 2017 DETROIT: The Indians had five players selected to represent the American League in the 2017 All-Star Game, as announced Sunday night. Third baseman Jose Ramirez, outfielder Michael Brantley, starting pitcher Corey Kluber, shortstop Francisco Lindor and relief pitcher Andrew Miller will all be making the trip to Miami for the All-Star Game, to be played July 11. That also includes manager Terry Francona and the entire Indians’ coaching staff. Ramirez will be in the starting lineup for the American League at third base, having been voted in by the fans. Brantley, Lindor and Miller were all selected via the player’s vote. Kluber was added to the roster by the commissioner’s office. The Indians’ five selections are the most for the club since they sent five to the 2004 All-Star Game. “I sent [president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti] a message this morning and I just said, “I hope you’re proud,’” Francona said. “Because I think our organization has come a long way. And I’m going to be thrilled when you look around, and you see the five players, the coaches, I’m just happy for Cleveland. When people throw on the TV they’re going to see Indians stuff all over the place. I think the fans and the city and everybody should be really proud.” Ramirez has built on his breakout 2016 season with a torrid 2017 season, emerging as one of the top third basemen in baseball. Ramirez’s 3.0 WAR entering Sunday, per FanGraphs, was first among third basemen and sixth among all position players in the AL, and that was before he hit two home runs and drove in four in the Indians’ 11-8 win. He’s now hitting .325 and leads the AL with 45 extra-base hits. “He deserves it. If there’s one guy on the team that deserves it, he does,” Lindor said of Ramirez. “Every one of the guys that made it deserve it as well, but he’s been helping us win, day in and day out. I’m looking forward to seeing him opening the All-Star Game.” Ramirez trailed Minnesota’s Miguel Sano in the fan vote, which determiners the starters in the All-Star Game, by more than 200,000 votes with only a few days left before Thursday’s deadline. Thanks to the fans, Ramirez charged back to win it. He will be the Indians’ first starting position player since Juan Gonzalez in 2001 and the club’s youngest since Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1990. “It's something incredible. It's something incredible to have their support,” Ramirez said. “They supported me and supported me until the end, and I'm very, very thankful for that.” Brantley is making his second All-Star appearance, this one with some extra meaning with it coming a year after he could only play in 11 games in 2016 due to multiple surgeries. Brantley essentially lost an entire year and had question marks surrounding his shoulder and future entering this season. He’s now headed to Miami, highlighting an emotional, lengthy road back to the lineup. “It wasn't an easy road,” Brantley said. “Two shoulder surgeries. Not knowing whether you're going to be able to play again. To be able to represent the All-Star Game and represent the Cleveland Indians, it means a lot. A lot of hard work paid off.” Brantley this season was hitting .304 with a .367 on-base percentage, five home runs, 15 doubles, 31 RBI and seven stolen bases entering Sunday. Francona tried not to be emotional while announcing Brantley’s selection to the team prior to Sunday’s game. “It was probably the one guy where, I try not to get emotional out there because I don't want to embarrass myself, but because I know what he went through, and I don’t think he needs vindication or whatever, but boy what a nice honor,” Francona said. “All last year when we were in that playoff run, he was back in the training room doing his stuff. That’s not real glamorous to do. He stayed there during the winter. And now he gets to go represent the Indians as an All-Star. That’s incredible.” Kluber is making his second consecutive All-Star team despite missing roughly a month of the season with a strained lower back. Kluber was the AL’s best pitcher in the month of June, posting a dominant 4-0 record and 1.26 ERA and striking out 64 hitters. Among qualified starters, Kluber ranks in the top-4 in the AL in pitcher WAR (2.7), FIP (2.60), ERA (3.02), K/9 (11.76) and WHIP (1.00). Only Boston’s Chris Sale can say the same. “If you've watched the load he's carried for us and what he's done since he's come back from his back injury, it's kind of a no-brainer,” Miller said of Kluber. “He’s really, really good. He's as good as they get.” Lindor has actually had a down year at the plate compared to 2016 but remains among the most valuable at his position, this season hitting .250 with 14 home runs, 23 doubles, 38 RBI and three stolen bases. But he’s also clearly established himself as one of the best all-around shortstops. He’s emerged as one of the faces of the game and a star in Cleveland. Thus, he was recognized by his peers, earning their vote for his second consecutive All-Star appearance. “It’s extremely special. I really appreciate it,” Lindor said. “It means a lot to me. There’s not a day that doesn’t go by that I take that for granted. I respect everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in the All-Star Game over there, seeing the fans, seeing my teammates, it’s going to be a special moment.” Miller has been, statistically, one of the top two relievers in the AL this season. Among qualified AL relievers, he ranks in the top-4 in pitcher WAR (1.8), FIP (1.60), ERA (1.49), K/9 (13.8) and WHIP (0.71). Only Boston’s Craig Kimbrel also ranks in the top-4 in each category. Like Kluber and Lindor, this will be Miller’s second consecutive appearance as an All-Star. Akron Beacon Journal LOADED: 07.03.2017 Indians outlast Tigers 11-8; Jose Ramirez hits 2 home runs, drives in 4 By RYAN LEWIS Published: July 2, 2017 DETROIT: The Indians’ offense unloaded on an opposing pitching staff for the second time in the last week. The latest victims? The Detroit Tigers and ace Justin Verlander. Jose Ramirez hit two home runs, Lonnie Chisenhall added a round-tripper of his own and the Indians outlasted the Tigers 11-8 on Sunday at Comerica Park. The Indians (44-37) tagged Verlander for seven earned runs, ending his day early. They proceeded to beat up on reliever Chad Bell, jumping out to an 8-1 lead by the end of the fourth and an 11-1 lead by the sixth. Jose Ramirez had one of the best games of his still-young career, going 3-for-4 with two home runs, four RBI, four runs scored and a walk. It pushed his season totals to 15 home runs and 42 RBI. Ramirez slugged a solo home run off Verlander in the third and then took Bell deep for a three-run shot an inning later. “It’s been fun to watch,” Indians manager Terry Francona said of Ramirez’s season. “It’s both sides of the plate. He gets so dangerous when he’s in one of these [runs]. It’s not just getting singles. He’s hitting the ball a long way. There’s a reason he’s sitting behind Edwin [Encarnacion], because that’s how dangerous he is.” Lonnie Chisenhall put the Indians on top in the second inning, slugging a two-run home run to right field in a nine-pitch at-bat against Verlander. Carlos Santana drove in three runs on two doubles and Encarnacion added two RBI via a single and a rare triple. Verlander (5-5) failed to record a strikeout, the first time in a start he’s done that since May 4, 2007, snapping a streak of 331 games. That was the longest active streak in the majors and was tied with Curt Schilling for the longest streak since 1913. “You go into it trying to fight for everything and make him fight for everything, and we did a really good job of that,” Francona said. “He’s one of the most competitive pitchers you’re ever going to see. And we made him work for everything.” The Indians also put up a double-digit offensive day last Monday against the Texas Rangers in their 15-9 come-from-behind win. Working with a sizable lead for most of the day, Indians starting pitcher Mike Clevinger (4-3) cruised, allowing just one run on two hits and five walks in six innings. He also struck out seven. Somehow, though, the Tigers came back to make it interesting in the ninth inning. Down 11-2 to start the inning, the Tigers hammered Boone Logan (5 ER) and Shawn Armstrong for six runs, highlighted by home runs from James McCann and then Nick Castellanos, the latter bringing the Tigers to within three runs. With a runner on first, the tying run on deck and, somehow, it now being a ballgame, Cody Allen came on to record the final out, inducing Andrew Romine to ground out back to the mound to end the game. “How many times do you give up six in the ninth inning and win?” Francona said. “It’s not going to put a damper on the day because we came out with good energy and played a good game.” Akron Beacon Journal LOADED: 07.03.2017 Party of five: Cleveland Indians to send five players to Miami for the All-Star Game By Zack Meisel, cleveland.com DETROIT -- The Indians can party like it's 2004. For the first time in 13 years, the Indians will send five players to the All-Star Game. Corey Kluber, Michael Brantley, Andrew Miller, Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez -- voted in as a starter after a late surge at the digital ballot boxes -- will join the team's coaching staff in Miami next week for the annual showcase. Ramirez is the first Tribe player voted in as a starter since Juan Gonzalez in 2001. Brantley, Miller and Lindor earned their All-Star nods via the player vote. The league office added Kluber to the American League roster. The Indians matched the Yankees, Astros and Nationals with a league-high five selections. After learning of the results on Sunday morning, Tribe manager Terry Francona sent a message to Chris Antonetti, the team's president of baseball operations, that read: "I hope you're proud." "I think our organization has come a long way," Francona said. "When people throw on the TV, they're going to see Indians stuff all over the place." Terry Francona on the Indians' 5 All-Stars Cleveland's coaching staff earned the responsibility of overseeing the AL squad by way of reaching the World Series last season. Francona has also invited Rays manager Kevin Cash to join the staff. Cash spent the 2013-14 seasons as the Indians' bullpen coach. Ramirez edged out Minnesota's Miguel Sano and Toronto's Josh Donaldson with a late push in the voting. He justified it with his play on the field. The 24-year-old boasts a .325/.379/.584 slash line after his two-homer performance in the Indians' 11-8 win at Comerica Park on Sunday. He has already established a career high with 15 home runs and his 26 doubles rank second in the AL. "If there's one guy on the team that deserves it, he does," Lindor said. "He really does. Every one of the guys that made it deserve it as well, but he's been helping us win, day in and day out." Francisco Lindor says Jose Ramirez deserved All-Star nod more than anyone Ramirez is the Indians' youngest All-Star starter since Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1990. "It's incredible to have [the fans'] support," Ramirez said. "They supported me and supported me until the end and I'm very, very thankful for that. "It's been a personal goal of mine and I reached it. It feels really good, because a lot of people want to be here, where I am right now." A lot of people want to be where Brantley is, too. He wasn't even sure if he would return to form following a pair of surgeries that limited him to only 11 games last season. Now, he's headed to his second All-Star Game. "On so many levels, it's such a good story," Francona said. "It was probably the one guy where, I try not to get emotional out there because I don't want to embarrass myself, but because I know what he went through -- boy, what a nice honor. "All last year when we were in that playoff run, he was back in the training room doing his stuff. That's not real glamorous to do. He stayed there during the winter. And now he gets to go represent the Indians as an All-Star. That's incredible." Terry Francona on All-Star Michael Brantley: "It's such a good story" Lindor, Kluber and Miller will each make their second consecutive trip to the Midsummer Classic. Kluber missed a month because of a lower back strain, but his numbers suggest he never missed a beat. In six June starts, the Tribe ace logged a 1.26 ERA, with seven walks and 64 strikeouts in 43 innings. He limited opposing hitters to a .150/.192/.204 slash line. "If you've watched the load he's carried for us and what he's done since he's come back from his back injury, it's kind of a no-brainer," Miller said. "He's really, really good. He's as good as they get. "He was the winning pitcher in the All-Star Game last year, so we have to bring him back this year, right?" Corey Kluber pitched his way onto the All-Star team In 2004, the Indians sent Matt Lawton, Ronnie Belliard, CC Sabathia, Victor Martinez and to the All-Star Game in Houston. That team finished with an 80-82 record. This team has expectations that sit a bit higher, after the club fell short against the Cubs in extra innings of Game 7 of the World Series last November. "We're going to have the entire coaching staff," Francona said. "We're going to have five players. So, you're going to see a lot of Indians uniforms. We'll all take the opportunity to enjoy it and to take it in, because you don't get that many chances to, and you turn your motor off a little bit and just enjoy it and take some pride in it. "To know that we're going to be represented with five guys is amazing. We're proud and we're thrilled." Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 07.03.2017 Yes way, Jose: Cleveland Indians' Jose Ramirez named All-Star starter at third base By Zack Meisel, cleveland.com DETROIT -- Jose Ramirez has carried out that signature strut through the Indians' clubhouse since his rookie season, long before the potent bat, the orange hair and the ever-tumbling helmet. A few years ago, some wondered when Ramirez's production would match the swaggering stride. There's no longer any wondering. Now, his teammates sport shirts that read, "Yes Way, Jose." Now, Ramirez collects hit after hit with ease. And now, Ramirez is an All-Star. "It's something I'm super happy about," Ramirez said, "because it's been a personal goal of mine and I reached it. It feels really good, because a lot of people want to be here, where I am right now." Ramirez will start at third base for the Indians in the All-Star Game next week in Miami, the team's first representative voted in by the fans since Juan Gonzalez in 2001. The Indians will send five players in all -- Ramirez, Francisco Lindor, Corey Kluber, Andrew Miller and Michael Brantley -- to the annual showcase, plus the club's entire coaching staff. Jose Ramirez elated to start in the All-Star Game Ramirez couldn't have celebrated his election in a more appropriate fashion. He socked a pair of home runs off Justin Verlander in the Indians' 11-8 victory at Comerica Park on Sunday. He also singled and walked. "He's as deserving as anybody," Miller said. "That has to be a pretty neat treat, to start an All-Star Game. He's earned every bit of that." Five Tribe players headed to All-Star Game Ramirez edged out Minnesota's Miguel Sano and Toronto's Josh Donaldson for the starting spot. He trailed Sano by about 34,000 votes the morning of the final day of voting. "It's incredible to have [the fans'] support," Ramirez said. "They supported me and supported me until the end, and I'm very, very thankful for that." Sano entered Sunday's action with a .268/.367/.546 slash line, 20 home runs and 48 RBI. Donaldson, who has been limited to 39 games because of injury, has registered a .254/.361/.486 clip with eight home runs. Ramirez, though, has feasted on pitching over the last month or so. Over his last 50 games, Ramirez has more multi-hit games than strikeouts. Over his last 34 games, he has 18 multi-hit efforts and only 12 strikeouts. Over his last 20 games, he has posted a .446/.489/.904 slash line. Francisco Lindor says Jose Ramirez deserved All-Star nod more than anyone But this is about Ramirez's first half as a whole. He has carried the Indians' offense, which has suffered from lackluster output from a handful of typically reliable regulars. "Every one of the guys that made it deserve it as well, but he's been helping us win, day in and day out," Lindor said. Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 07.03.2017 Cleveland Indians' Michael Brantley named to AL All-Star team after playing 11 games in 2016 By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com DETROIT - Michael Brantley didn't know if he'd be able to play baseball again, much less return to the All-Star Game. Brantley has done both. After playing just 11 games last year, Brantley will represent the Indians in this year's All-Star Game. The game will be played on Tuesday night at Marlins Park in Miami. Brantley won't be alone. Third baseman Jose Ramirez, shortstop Francisco Lindor, right-hander Corey Kluber and left-hander Andrew Miller will be making the trip with him. So will manager Terry Francona and the entire Indians coaching staff after winning the AL pennant last year. "I'm very appreciative," said Brantley. "Getting voted in by your peers means a lot. I'm very happy. I'm blessed to be going." Last year Brantley played in just 11 games because of an injury to his right shoulder. He underwent surgery before the start of the 2016 season. He needed a second operation in August, which ended his season. Terry Francona on All-Star Michael Brantley: "It's such a good story" "Hopefully, people know how hard I worked to get back," said Brantley. "It wasn't an easy road. Two shoulder surgeries. Not knowing whether you're going to be able to play again. To be able to represent the All-Star Game and the Cleveland Indians, it means a lot of hard work paid off." Brantley, who played in the 2014 All-Star Game, is hitting .306 (69-for-228) with 15 doubles, five homers and 31 RBI. He just returned from the disabled list because of twisted right ankle that he originally injured in May. Ramirez was voted into the AL starting lineup by the fans. Brantley, Lindor and Miller were selected by their peers. Kluber was selected by the Commissioner's office. "I think it shows his reputation and the respect he gets throughout the league," said Francona, managing his third AL All-Star team. "On so many levels it's a good story. I know what he went through. "I don't think he needs vindication, but what a nice honor. All last year when we were on that playoff run, he was back in the trainer's room doing his stuff. That's not glamorous. He stayed there during the win and now he gets to represent the Indians in the All-Star Game. That's incredible." Brantley said he wondered several times if he would be able to play baseball again. "Absolutely," he said. "If anybody has major surgery, they'll tell you there's a lot of rough nights, a lot of rough days, a lot of rough weeks, months at times. Terry Francona on the Indians' 5 All-Stars "I'm coming off two shoulder surgeries. The first one didn't work out so well, so I had to do it again. You're just trying to keep a positive attitude and making sure that you're doing the right things that are necessary, but nothing was guaranteed. It was a lot of hard work." Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 07.03.2017 Cleveland Indians thump Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers, 11-8, as Jose Ramirez homers twice By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com DETROIT - Mike Clevinger walked five batters in the first three innings on Sunday at Comerica Park. It is not the prescribed path to victory for a starting pitcher, but Clevinger handled it well under a hot July sun. Some of that had to do with Clevinger gaining control of the strike zone before the game slipped away from him. But most of it had to do with what Indians hitters did to Justin Verlander on the way to a 11-8 victory. Verlander (5-5, 4.96) has faced the Indians more than any other team in his career. He's had his good moments, but the Indians have left their mark on the former AL MVP and winner. Sunday was one of those days. Lonnie Chisenhall and Jose Ramirez homered against Verlander as he allowed seven runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. Earlier this year Verlander and manager Brad Ausmus hinted that the Indians were stealing the Tigers' signs at Progressive Field. But Verlander took this beating on his home ground in his shortest start of the season. "I think I ended up throwing about 60 percent strikes and I started out at about 30 percent, so I found my way back into the zone," said Clevinger. "The offense helped calm me down and helped settle the game after that rough start." Ramirez, the Indians' mighty mite third baseman, had another big game. He singled in the second and scored on Chisenhall's homer for a 2-0 lead. In the third he homered with two out and the bases empty for a 3-0 lead. In the fourth, after Edwin Encarnacion's RBI single ended Verlander's afternoon, Ramirez hit a three-run homer off Chad Bell to push the lead to 8-1. Mike Clevinger on Jose Ramirez and Indians' offense It was Ramirez's third homer in the last two games and his 15th of the first half. He hit 11 last season. This season Ramirez has hit five homers and driven in 15 runs against the Tigers. Ramirez is hitting .444 (11-for-25) against Verlander. "He's my favorite baseball player," said Clevinger. "He comes to the field every day ready to play." Ramirez is a somewhat of a new menace to the Tigers' ace, but the same cannot be said for Chisenhall and Carlos Santana. Chisenhall homered on a 2-2 pitch that was just above the dirt. He has three homers and 10 RBI against Verlander. Santana recorded his 14th RBI against Verlander with a double in the third. Verlander is 20-23 with a with a 4.77 ERA in 51 starts against the Indians. He made his big-league debut against the Tribe on July 4, 2005 and lost. The Indians added three more runs in the sixth. The highlight was a triple by Encarnacion that scored Michael Brantley. It was Encarnacion's first triple since 2014. Encarnacion and Brantley also worked a double steal in the fourth. Clevinger (4-3, 3.33) allowed one run on six hits in six innings. He struck out seven to go along with his five walks. He was fortunate that only one of the walks turned into a run, especially after walking the bases loaded in the first. In his last two starts, Clevinger has allowed two earned runs on three hits in 12 innings. It was the first win of his career over Detroit. "He threw all strikes to the bottom of the order and to the bigger guys in the middle he kind of stayed out of the zone a little bit," said manager Terry Francona. "But he doesn't back off when he gets in those situations. You don't see the velocity come down. He still throws all his pitches and he competes." Things grew interesting in the ninth as James McCann hit a three-run homer off Boone Logan and Nick Castellanos' two-run homer off Shawn Armstrong made it an 11-8 game with one out. Armstrong retired Victor Martinez, but when Mikie Mahtook singled, Cody Allen entered the game. He retired Romine on a bouncer back to the mound for his 16th save. What it means The Indians improved to 21-19 in the AL Central and 20-11 in day games. They still trail the season series against the Tigers, 4-5, but they closed the gap by taking two out of three this weekend. The Tigers are 19-14 in the AL Central. The pitches Clevinger threw 99 pitches, 60 (61 percent) for strikes. Verlander threw 96 pitches, 59 (61 percent) for strikes. End of the line Verlander's streak of 331 games with at least one strikeout came to an end Sunday. The streak started on May 7, 2007. RBI machine Chisenhall's homer gave him 22 RBI in his last 19 games. Chisenhall has hit 11 homers in the first half. Last year he had eight for the season. Thanks for coming The Indians and Tigers drew 30,429 to Comerica Park on Sunday afternoon. First pitch was at 1:10 p.m. with a temperature of 79 degrees. Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 07.03.2017 Cleveland Indians' Terry Francona still managing workloads of Andrew Miller, Cody Allen DETROIT -- Manager Terry Francona says he's still trying to get Andrew Miller and Cody Allen back to even terms in . Until that happens, the Indians are going to have two closers. One closer is a necessity, two a luxury. The Indians, however, can afford it. Allen has 16 saves, a 2.78 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings. Miller has 65 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings and two saves. "Sometimes it depends on how much they've pitched, sometimes it depends on who's hitting, sometimes it's both," said Francona before Sunday's game against Detroit. "When they both have to pitch, there are going to be times Cody might go ahead of him because Andrew has carried such a workload that I'd like to see Cody shoulder that for a little bit." In Saturday night's 4-1 win in the second game of a doubleheader, Allen pitched the eighth inning against the middle of Detroit's lineup. Miller pitched the ninth for his second save about the bottom of the lineup. On Sunday, Allen came out of the pen to record a one-out save in the ninth in an 11-8 win over Detroit. The Indians entered the ninth with an 11-2 lead. "The innings may never even out," said Francona. "Andrew may have more innings at the end of the year, but it's about workload. The goal is to always have your best pitchers have the most innings. "For whatever reason there was a 10-day span where Andrew and Cody got apart in innings pitched (Miller's innings went up, Allen's went down). I'd rather keep them pretty close." Tribe still in no hurry to get Brantley on field from B1 Terry Francona will manage the American League All-Stars for the third time in his carry starting Monday at Marlins Park in Miami. All-Star travel plans The Indians will play their first home game on ESPN's edition of in eight years when they play Detroit on Sunday night. But it's going to make for some hectic late-night travel for Francona, the coaching staff and the team's five All-Stars. After the game they'll catch a 60-seat charter jet bound for Miami in anticipation of Monday's All-Star Game festivities in Miami. "We'll probably get in about 4 a.m.," said Francona. "As you know, Monday is a busy day with the workouts and Home Run Derby." The All-Star Game will be played Tuesday night. After the last pitch, Francona and the Tribe's contingent will hit the fast forward button again. "We're going to fly out Tuesday night right after the game and get back to Cleveland early Wednesday," said Francona. "That's the only way we could have an off day over the break." The Indians will fly to San Francisco on Thursday and have a voluntary workout at the Oakland Coliseum. On Friday, open a six-game trip against the Athletics and Giants. After the Indians beat Detroit on Sunday, MLB announced that five Indians made the AL All-Start team -- Jose Ramirez, Francisco Lindor, Michael Brantley, Corey Kluber and Miller. Kevin Cash Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash fractured his left ankle while running Sunday morning. Bad break On Friday Francona said he received a call from MLB's Joe Torre asking if he'd like to add Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash to the coaching staff for the AL All-Star team. Francona couldn't say yes fast enough. Cash played for Francona when he managed the Red Sox. When Francona became manager of the Indians in 2013, Cash was hired as his bullpen coach. The Rays hire him as manager after the 2014 season. Francona loves to tease Cash and on Sunday morning he received more ammunition when Cash fractured his left ankle while running. If Cash is still able to make it to the All-Star Game festivities starting Monday in Miami, he better come prepared because there's no doubt Francona will be. The international free agent signing period started Sunday and the Indians announced the signing of seven players. The two key acquisitions were Dominican outfielder George Valera and Venezuelan shortstop Aaron Bracho. Valera and Bracho are each 16. Valera, according to , signed for $1.2 million. Valera was rated No.5 and Bracho No.17 by Baseball America in this year's free agent class. "George and Aaron project as high-ceiling offensive players with a combination of hit-ability and power to go along with athleticism," said Paul Gillispie, Indians senior director of international scouting. "We think they have the ability to impact the game offensively and defensively." The list below contains the signing agreements for all 30 teams. Just like any free agent, whether it’s a major league free agent or an international amateur free agent, the signing agreements are all pending an officially signed contract, a physical and approval from the commissioner’s office. At the request of several players’ families and teams, we will not be reporting the signing bonuses for any Venezuelan players at this time. Baseball America will be updating the signing agreements throughout the day on this page. Scouting reports for the Top 50 prospects and other players who are signed today are available to BA subscribers at the links below. Note that a few of the Top 50 prospects are still 15 and are not eligible to sign until they turn 16, either later this month or in August. Valera, 5-11, 184 pounds, bats and throws left-handed. Bracho, 5-10, 172, throws right-handed and switch hits. The Indians also signed infielder Cesar Idrogo, Venezuela; outfielder Marlin Made, Dominican Republic; infielder Wilfri Peralta, Dominican Republic; infielder Brayan Rocchio, Dominican Republic and infielder Jose Tena, Dominican Republic. The Indians reportedly signed Tena for $400,000 and Peralta for $300,000. Statistically speaking Five statistics to contemplate as the Indians move toward the All-Star break. No. 1. The Indians have won nine of their last 11 road games. No.2. The Indians, following Saturday's split with the Tigers, are 29-13 in doubleheaders since 2010. No. 3. Corey Kluber is tied with Yu Darvish of Texas with the third lowest batting average against in the AL at .205. No.4. Right-hander Bryan Shaw has appeared in 40 of the Tribe's 81 games. He was tied for the league lead with Jose Alvarez of the Angels. No.5. has walked five batters in his last two starts, but he still leads the AL with the fewest walks per nine innings at 1.2. Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 07.03.2017

Independence Day means a little extra to Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco BY ZACK MEISEL, CLEVELAND.COM [email protected] DETROIT -- When he returned home after the Indians' visit to the nation's capital, Carlos Carrasco considering tossing out the Uncle Sam uniform.

When would he ever again wear the patriotic ensemble?

Then, his wife stepped in. She labeled the outfit a keepsake.

"Every time I see it," Carrasco told cleveland.com, "I think of my teammates."

They surprised him with the costume as the team prepared to depart Washington, D.C., last August. They had helped him study for his U.S. citizenship test, quizzing him about Supreme Court justices and the 13 original colonies and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

"He wanted to get all of the questions right," said teammate Dan Otero. "He didn't want to get the minimum. He wanted to get them all right." Carrasco will celebrate his first Independence Day as an American citizen this week. He passed the exam last year, posed in the red, white and blue uniform a week later and penned a heartfelt essay about the significance of the achievement in The Player's Tribune in March.

It's not something he takes lightly.

"I've been living here for a long time and this country means a lot to me," Carrasco said. "July 4 is coming, Independence Day. It's something that's really important to me." When he had down time last season, Carrasco buried his face in his U.S. history notes. He spent his mornings in the clubhouse sitting on the floor beside Jason Kipnis' locker, listening closely as his teammate asked him when the Constitution was scripted.

"He had a vision of actually understanding what it takes to become a citizen as opposed to just memorizing it and going to take the test and passing it," said Josh Tomlin. "He actually tried to learn it and become more involved." On the short trip, Carrasco went patriotic with his outfit. He sported red-and-white-striped pants, a blue blazer, white gloves and a red, white and blue bow tie and top hat.

Carrasco arrived at the immigration office last August, more nervous and jittery than he would be for one of his starts on the mound. Then, he heard the first question.

"I was like, 'OK, this is easy now,'" he said. "I responded right away."

Carrasco spent the first 17 years of his life in Venezuela before he joined the Phillies organization. He can recall sitting in a classroom as a kid and learning about the value of reading. A few days before he attained U.S. citizenship, Carrasco established his own foundation. Over the last year, he has directed book drives for children, read to classrooms, spoken to others and visited hospital patients.

"The way that I grew up," Carrasco said, "a lot of people helped me, so that's the way that I pay back." Carrasco was the Indians' nominee for the 2016 Roberto Clemente Award, given to the player who best represents baseball through character, community involvement, philanthropy and off-the-field contributions.

"I think that's an inspiration to a lot of people from his ," Otero said. "They can look up to him."

This week will bring plenty of fireworks and symbols of patriotism. It might mean a bit more to the guy in the star-spangled No. 59 uniform.

It's been quite a first year as a U.S. citizen for Carrasco.

"The fact that he did everything -- passed the test, got the citizenship and embraced it," Kipnis said, "I think he's done a great job and I think everyone's happy for him."