Pittsburgh Pirates First Baseman Josh Bell Named 2019 All-Star

Pittsburgh Pirates slugging first baseman Josh Bell has been named a National League All-Star for the first time in his career

On Sunday afternoon, Major League Baseball announced the rosters for the 2019 MLB All-Star Game. The 2019 mid-summer classic will be played at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Tuesday, July 9th. The Pittsburgh Pirates will be sending just one representative to Cleveland on July 9th as first baseman Josh Bell has been named a National League All-Star.

Bell was among the three finalist who could be voted in as the starting first baseman for the NL squad. Unfortunately, he finished a close second to Freddie Freeman. This was despite Bell leading the NL in doubles, extra base hits, RBIs, and having a better OPS than Freeman.

This season Bell is slashing .301/.376/.625 with a 152 wRC+. He has also mashed 22 home runs, including becoming the first player in PNC Park history to hit two home runs into the Allegheny River on the fly, to go with his league leading 29 doubles, 54 extra base hits, and 70 RBI.

This is Bell’s first career All-Star selection.

As part of the All-Star festivities, Bell will also participate in the home run derby. This will also be Bell’s first time participating in the event. The home run derby is scheduled to be televised on ESPN at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 8th.

While he will not start at first base, Bell starting in the game is still possible. Since the game is being played in an American League ballpark the NL squad will need a designated hitter. Bell will have a great opportunity of being the DH.

The 2019 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9th. All the action from Progressive Field can be seen on FOX.

Congratulations and good luck to Josh in both the home run derby and the All-Star Game!