ST. PETERSBURG -- Chris Archer is going to the All-Star Game, and the Rays' right-hander smiled while telling reporters how happy him doing so makes his parents.
"Making my parents smile is one of my main motivations in life," said Archer, who was an All-Star in 2015. "And the last one, I was standing next to Felix Hernandez as my name got called as an All-Star and I saw my parents' faces. So I want to relive that. I want to make that happen again. And I'm going to be able to in Miami in a couple of days."
On Friday, Major League Baseball named Archer a replacement on the American League team for Tuesday's All-Star Game presented by Mastercard. He will join his teammate, Corey Dickerson, who was voted in as a starter at designated hitter.
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AL players unable to participate in the 2017 All-Star Game include three pitchers scheduled to start for their respective Clubs on Sunday -- Yu Darvish of the Rangers, Michael Fulmer of the Tigers, and Corey Kluber of the Indians. A wrinkle in Archer's selection is that he is currently scheduled to start for the Rays against the Red Sox on Sunday. Barring a change, an All-Star appearance for Archer would have to come on two days' rest.
When Kevin Cash was asked about how Archer will be used, the Rays' manager sounded as though the ace had no limitations.
"If you're an All-Star, and you're going to the game, you're expected to be able to perform," said Cash, who is on the AL All-Star team's coaching staff. "Play, pitch, whatever it is. So after his start -- hopefully he goes seven innings, 105 pitches, we get a win. And then it will be like a bullpen side-session day for him."
Archer told reporters that under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement the rule was eliminated that prevented pitchers who pitched on the Sunday before the All-Star Game from pitching in the game.
"I'm happy that the Rays know that I know my body and I won't put myself in danger," Archer said. "And I bounce back pretty well. It's a bullpen day for me, typically, anyways. Sometimes my bullpens are heavy, sometimes they're light. So I think if I do get the opportunity to get into the game, I'll be just fine."
Archer gave credit for his selection to his teammates.
"You know, obviously, none of this would be possible if I didn't have great teammates," Archer said. "Derek Norris caught the bulk of my starts this season. ... He's not here, but he was a huge part of it. I've had some spectacular plays [made] behind me. We've had some good offense.
"So it's not only an achievement personally, but for the organization. You can't do this on your own as a pitcher. I'm grateful that the process worked out in my favor. Around the league they took notice and I'm very very excited."
The Rays' ace is currently putting forth another solid year highlighted by stellar strikeout stuff. While the right-hander's 3.95 ERA is one of the higher marks on the AL All-Star team, his 139 strikeouts and 3.05 FIP rank fifth in the Major Leagues. The 28-year-old is 7-5 on the season, and has thrown at least six innings in 15 of his Major League-high-tying 18 starts this season.
On Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, tune in to the 2017 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2017 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote. The 88th All-Star Game, in Miami, will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.