Story by
TJ Morin
Tue, July 14, 2026 at 12:17 AM UTC·2 min read
MLB has one final chance to reward Red Sox ace Sonny Gray with a deserved All-Star selection originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred
The Boston Red Sox have finished the first half of the season with a dominant winning streak, taking their last nine games in three sweeps, and swept four of their last five series, winning 14 of their last 16 games
Advertisement
Now, the All-Star Break is here, and the Red Sox are sending some of their best players to participate: Aroldis Chapman, Willson Contreras, Ceddanne Rafaela, and while he can’t participate due to injury, Ranger Suarez
However, arguably the biggest name on the roster has been left out, even though there is still an avenue to get on the roster: acting ace Sonny Gray
There’s technically an open spot on the AL Roster
Even just days before the game, another spot is open to claim on the AL Roster. New York Yankees ace Cam Schlittler has opted out of playing in the game but will attend, citing that he wants to rest up for the second half of the season
Advertisement
Even with that out there though, the MLB has not named a replacement. Gray seems to be the most logical choice, yet he was left out from the original selection, and all the replacements needed before
Even the Red Sox are very confused, as Gray is a top two pitcher in the AL, and a top five pitcher in the MLB
Gray dominated in the first half
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Throughout the first half of the season, Gray was elite. He posted an 11-1 record, a 2.54 ERA, 85 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.098 over 95 innings pitched
His ERA is the second-lowest in the American League, only higher than Schlittler’s, and is the fifth-lowest in the MLB. His record is the best in the American League, and tied second for the MLB
Advertisement
MLB has one last chance to make things right
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
With Schlittler technically out, the MLB need to find a way to put Gray in right away. If he’s left out, this will be the biggest All-Star snub in a while. However, with Schlittler attending and just not pitching unless called upon, there’s technically no room for an injury replacement
With less than 24 hours until the All-Star Game, the MLB needs to act fast. Give Gray his credit where credit is due; Otherwise, Gray could use this as fuel for a push to grab something that has eluded him twice in his career: the Cy Young award
Advertisement
MORE MLB NEWS
Red Sox have become MLB’s hottest team as pitching and offseason additions fuel dramatic turnaround
Red Sox sending a clear message by leaving Brayan Bello in Triple-A despite rotation injuries
