The Cleveland Indians today announced second baseman Jason Kipnis and right-handed pitcher Justin Masterson have been selected to the American League All-Star Team. The game will be played on Tuesday, July 16th in New York’s Citi Field.

Kipnis, 26, entered play today hitting .300 (87-290) with 22 doubles, 3 triples, 13 home runs, 54 RBI and 48 runs scored in 76 games.  He is currently leading the team in RBI, doubles, walks (41), runs scored and stolen bases (19) and ranks among American League leaders in steals (T5th, 19), OPS (5th, .916), slugging pct. (T6th, .531), extra-base hits (T6th, 38), on-base pct. (7th, .385), doubles (T9th, 22) and walks (10th, 41).  He currently owns a career-high 16-game hitting streak and has reached base safely via hit or walk in 36 straight games since May 26. The reigning AL Player of the Month has hit in 26 of his last 27 games since June 5, hitting .423 (41-97) with 19 runs scored and 28 RBI over the span.

Masterson, 28, is 10-7 with a 3.78 ERA in 19 starts this season for the Indians (128.2IP, 108H, 54R/ER, 49BB, 131SO, .229AVG) and leads the staff in starts, innings pitched, wins, complete games and strikeouts. He is currently leading the American League in innings pitched, shutouts (3) and complete games (3), tied for fourth in the AL in wins, tied for first in starts, third in strikeouts and seventh in batting average against.

It marks the first All-Star selection for both Kipnis and Masterson.  Kipnis is the first Indians second baseman selected since Ronnie Belliard (2004) and Masterson is the first Indians starting pitcher tabbed since RHP Roberto Hernandez (2010).

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