ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Xander Bogaerts’ tough Thursday began even before Tampa Bay’s Jacob Faria ended his night after one inning.
The Red Sox shortstop finished second to Kansas City’s Mike Moustakas in the All-Star Game Final Vote, meaning Bogaerts isn’t headed to Miami as the 32nd member of the American League squad.
Barring injury, the Red Sox All-Star contingent will be three: Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel and Mookie Betts.
Bogaerts, whose 96 hits and .308 average lead the team, took a 92-mph Faria fastball in his right hand/wrist as the third batter of last night’s game.