Rangers' Seager replaces Springer in All-star Game

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager was picked Thursday to replace Toronto outfielder George Springer on the American League roster for next week’s All-star Game.

Seager is an injury replacement for Springer, who has been nursing a sore elbow. However, Springer was in the Blue Jays’ starting lineup for Thursday night’s game against Kansas City.

Seager will also participate in the All-star Home Run Derby on Monday at Dodger Stadium. He spent his first seven major league seasons with the Dodgers.

Seager has 21 homers this year, including a majors-best streak of five straight games with a longball that ended Wednesday.

Springer has been bothered by a sore right elbow since late June.

“Our team comes first,” Springer said. “This is something I’ve been managing for a while. It’s four or five days of extremely valuable time to let this thing rest and get ready to go for the second half.”

Seager became a three-time All-star following picks in 2016 and ’17 as a Dodger. He entered Thursday with a .245 batting average, 21 homers and 48 RBIS in his first season with Texas.

He signed a $325 million, 10year deal with Texas in the offseason that included a $100,000 bonus for being picked an All-star. FEDS SUE CUBS » The federal government sued the Chicago Cubs and accused the team of failing to make Wrigley Field accessible to those with disabilities when the ballpark was modernized in a half-billion dollar project. INJURED LIST » Mike Moustakas was placed on the list by Cincinnati without an injury designation, an indication the move was likely related to COVID-19 protocols . ... Cleveland starter Aaron Civale was placed on the list with a sprained right wrist. ... Yankees pitcher Luis Severino was placed on the list with right shoulder tightness ... Tampa Bay placed starter Shane Baz on the list with a right elbow sprain.