New York, NY – Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mark Melancon and San Francisco Giants closer Sergio Romo were added to the National League All-Star roster Sunday, while Baltimore Orioles starter Chris Tillman was named to the American League squad.
Melancon replaces teammate Jeff Locke, who is dealing with low back tightness, while Romo was added to take the spot of Washington right-hander Jordan Zimmermann as he recovers from a neck injury.
Melancon entered play Sunday with a 2-1 record and an NL-best 0.81 earned run average with two saves in 45 games this season. He's surrendered just 31 hits while striking out 46 over 44 1/3 frames.
The 28-year-old hurler becomes the fifth Pittsburgh player named to the NL squad, marking the most the club has had since 1972.
Romo has recorded 38 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings and is 3-4 with a 2.86 ERA and 21 saves this season.
As for Tillman, he takes the spot of Detroit's Justin Verlander, who started for the Tigers Sunday against the Texas Rangers.
Tillman, 25, is 11-3 with a 3.95 ERA over 19 starts this season.
Baltimore will now send five players to Tuesday's All-Star Game, marking the franchise's most selections since 1997.
Melancon, Romo and Tillman are all first-time All-Stars, bringing this year's total to 36 newcomers, which eclipses the record total of 35 set at the 2011 All-Star Game in Arizona.
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