DETROIT – Detroit Tigers outfielder Justin Upton has been added to the American League All-Star roster, Major League Baseball announced Friday.
Upton is enjoying his best offensive season since 2011, batting .271 with a .356 on-base percentage and .507 slugging percentage for the Tigers. In 78 games, he has hit 21 doubles and 15 home runs.
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He's also drawn 35 walks to go with 85 strikeouts in 280 at-bats.
Upton has already surpassed his 2.0 WAR from last season, which was his first with the Tigers. His 2.9 WAR through 78 games makes him the team's most valuable player and MLB's 19th-most valuable position player.
Upton ranks third in the AL with a .384 batting average with runners in scoring position. He's also tied for fourth in the AL with six outfield assists.
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"It’s an honor to be selected as an All-Star for the first time as a Tiger," Upton said. "I can’t wait to get to South
Florida to enjoy the festivities with Michael (Fulmer) and hopefully bring home a W for the American League."
Upton joined Fulmer as the Tigers AL All-Stars this season.
MLB announced Friday that Fulmer will not be on the active All-Star Game roster since he is pitching on Sunday at Cleveland.
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Fulmer has compiled an 8-6 record with a 3.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 16 starts this season.