SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 30: Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals reacts after a sacrifice fly out by Mike Zunino #3 to score Ben Gamel #16 of the Seattle Mariners in the second inning to give the Seattle Mariners a 4-3 lead during their game at Safeco Field on June 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)Abbie Parr/Getty Images

Salvador Perez to Start All-Star Game After Wilson Ramos' Hamstring Injury

Alec Nathan

Jul 14, 2018

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez will start Tuesday's All-Star Game after Tampa Bay Rays backstop Wilson Ramos was forced to withdraw from the Midsummer Classic because of a hamstring injury.

The move ensures Perez will start his fifth straight All-Star Game for the American League.

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Unlike years past, it hasn't been a banner campaign for Perez at the plate.

The 2015 World Series MVP entered Saturday slashing .217/.256/.384 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI, although he has flashed a bit of improvement over the last two weeks.

Since the calendar turned over to July, Perez has hit .250 with seven RBI over 40 at-bats.

"I'm not having a great year hitting right now, but I’m trying to do my best every night," Perez said when he was selected as a reserve, per the Kansas City Star's Maria Torres. "It's part of the game. I'm going to enjoy it with my family and be excited for the two days in Washington, D.C."