Aaron Judge, Ranger Suarez's AL Roster Replacements Named Ahead of 2026 MLB All-Star Game

MLB announced a pair of injury replacements for the American League in the 2026 All-Star Game on Friday.

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez were replaced by Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela and Tampa Bay Rays starter Nick Martinez.

Judge is currently dealing with a fractured rib, while Suarez was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a groin strain on Thursday.

Suarez was disappointed that he couldn't be part of the All-Star festivities, but acknowledged that his long-term health was more important.

"Obviously it doesn't feel great [to miss the All-Star Game]," Suarez said, per MLB.com's Ian Browne. "I'm obviously sad. I wanted to be able to go there, and represent my team, and also enjoy the moment. But I think the best thing for me is to take care of my body and that's what I'm going to do."

Meanwhile, Judge hasn't appeared in a game since May 31 and will undergo testing on his rib during the All-Star break.

As for Rafaela, he'll earn the first All-Star nod of his career.

He's amassed eight home runs, 21 doubles and 39 RBI while hitting .283 in 87 games this season. Rafaela has also remained a strong defender after earning Gold Glove recognition in 2025.

The 25-year-old ranks No. 4 among all MLB players in Fielding Run Value during his 2026 campaign (via Statcast).

Martinez has served as a key piece of the Rays' 2026 rotation, helping them sit atop the AL East standings with a 54-37 record.

He owns a 7-2 record in 17 starts this year, posting a 2.61 ERA and limiting opposing hitters to a .249 batting average.

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.