Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan was selected Monday for his first All-Star Game as a late replacement for St. Louis closer Ryan Helsley on the NL roster.
The major league leader with 32 saves, Helsley last pitched on Saturday for his 42nd inning of the season in 41 games. The right-hander, 29, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he is healthy but was unlikely to play in Tuesday’s game in Arlington, Texas, so he would rather rest his arm while taking part in activities.
Helsley, who also was selected in 2022, has a 3-3 record with a 2.36 ERA, 17 walks and 48 strikeouts as the Cardinals’ lone All-Star Game representative.
Finnegan, 32, ranks second in the NL and third in the majors with 25 saves in 29 opportunities. The right-hander is 2-4 with a 2.45 ERA, 13 walks and 42 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings over 41 games.
Finnegan made his MLB debut in 2020. In parts of five seasons with the Nationals, he is 21-22 with a 3.37 ERA, 75 saves, 106 walks and 270 strikeouts in 267 innings over 267 relief appearances.
Finnegan joins Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams on the NL roster.