ST. LOUIS — He won’t have as much company as he did last year, but Gerrit Cole is headed back to the All-Star Game.
For the sixth time in his career, Cole was named an All-Star on Sunday, part of the American League roster that was announced for the July 11 Midsummer Classic in Seattle.
The Yankees ace could even have a case to start this year’s game for the first time, though that decision will not be announced until next Monday by AL manager Dusty Baker.
“One of these days, I would really like to start it,” Cole said Sunday after giving up two runs across six innings in a 5-1 loss to the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. “I gotta check that one off. But I’m not sure how that shakes off over the next week. I know there’s a lot of deserving guys out there.”
“Specifically [Nathan Eovaldi] has been lights out for Texas this year and probably deserves a hard look. We all love watching Shohei [Ohtani] play, so having him pitch and hit first or second is probably the way things might shake out. But hey, you know what? If I don’t like it, I gotta pitch a little better I guess.”
Barring injury replacements, Cole and Aaron Judge will be the Yankees’ only All-Stars this season.
Judge, who was voted in as a starting outfielder, will not play in the game as he continues his rehab from a sprained right big toe, though he said Sunday he had not decided yet whether he would attend the All-Star festivities.
“As we get closer, we’ll make a decision,” Judge said. “It’s an incredible honor. I wish I was still playing right now and not on the injured list when this came out. But never take a moment like this for granted.”
Cole has earned his way back to a fifth straight All-Star Game — not including 2020, when no game was held because of the COVID-shortened season — finishing Sunday with a 2.79 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 108 ²/₃ innings.
He is in the midst of his best season in The Bronx after signing a nine-year, $324 million contract ahead of the 2020 season.
“I’m very humbled,” Cole said. “I always think it’s special as a pitcher because you’re voted in by your peers. So it’s a tremendous honor from people across the league who voted for me. At the same time, I don’t deserve all the credit. … I’m thrilled, I’m excited. I love to go represent the Yankees and everything we’re about. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Last season, Cole was one of five Yankees All-Stars, joining Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Trevino and Clay Holmes in Los Angeles.
Holmes could warrant consideration if an injury replacement is needed while Boone also campaigned for Gleyber Torres.
In the meantime, Boone told Cole and Judge not to take another All-Star appearance for granted.
“It’s an outstanding accomplishment and an important accomplishment,” Boone said. “I’m proud of both of them. Obviously Gerrit’s in the midst of another great season.”
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