Major League Baseball announced today that Pittsburgh's Felipe Vazquez has been named to the National League All-Star team for this year's All-Star Game in Washington, D.C.
Vazquez' selection marks the sixth time in the last eight seasons Pittsburgh's closer has been named to the All-Star team, joining Joel Hanrahan (2011 and 2012), Jason Grilli (2013) and Mark Melancon (2015 and 2016).
The 27-year-old Vazquez recorded his 39th career save as a member of the Pirates earlier today, which is tied for the most by a left-handed pitcher in club history along with Ramon Hernandez. He also picked up his 18th save of the season today, which ranks fourth among all southpaws in MLB behind Aroldis Chapman (24), Brad Hand (24) and Sean Doolittle (22).
Vazquez has posted a 9-8 record, 2.44 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 139 games since being acquired by Pittsburgh from Washington on July 30, 2016. Since making his Pirates debut on July 31, 2016, Vazquez' 178 strikeouts are the third-most by all southpaws pitching exclusively in relief in all of Major League Baseball behind Brad Hand (214) and Aroldis Chapman (176).
Vazquez was selected to play in this year's Midsummer Classic by Major League Baseball.