On Saturday, Major League Baseball announced that Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski, Chicago White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters, and Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin have been added to the 2026 All-Star rosters. These roster changes address late-stage injuries and pitching availability ahead of Tuesday night’s Midsummer Classic at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park. The selections are highlighted by Peters’ inclusion just one day after becoming the seventh player in White Sox history to hit for the cycle.
Late Roster Shuffles Reshape All-Star Lineups
The annual All-Star game frequently requires last-minute adjustments as the grueling Major League Baseball season takes its toll on players. This year is no exception, with three prominent stars sidelined due to injuries or workload management just days before the exhibition showcase.
Wrobleski replaces Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns, who is currently inactive due to tightness in his right groin. Meanwhile, Peters takes the roster spot of Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, who was placed on the injured list with a sprained right thumb. Griffin enters the National League bullpen in place of Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Braxton Ashcraft, who threw 98 pitches during his Saturday start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Tristan Peters’ Historic Cycle and Rapid Rise
For Tristan Peters, the All-Star nod caps off an extraordinary weekend. The 26-year-old rookie outfielder secured his place in Chicago franchise lore on Friday night by hitting for the cycle during a dominant victory over the Oakland Athletics, sealing the feat with a triple in the seventh inning. He is the first White Sox player to hit for the cycle since Jose Abreu accomplished the feat in September 2017.
Peters has put together a stellar debut campaign, batting .303 with six home runs, 35 RBIs, 20 doubles, and three triples. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays organization last December, the former Savannah Banana has quickly adjusted to big-league pitching after appearing in only four major league games last season.
“The White Sox gave me this opportunity and I went into it just trying to make the most out of it and just be who I am as a player,” Peters said. “Just an incredibly supportive group and that’s helped me thrive.”
A native of Winkler, Manitoba, Peters also becomes only the second Canadian player in Major League Baseball history to record a cycle. He joins Cleveland Guardians right-hander Cade Smith and Miami Marlins infielder Otto Lopez as the Canadian representatives on the 2026 All-Star rosters.
Wrobleski Strengthens Dodgers Contingent
With Justin Wrobleski’s addition, the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will send six players to Philadelphia. The 26-year-old left-hander has posted a 10-2 record with a 2.69 ERA and 73 strikeouts across 100 1/3 innings this season.
Wrobleski joins fellow Dodgers stars Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Andy Pages on the National League roster. However, Ohtani is scheduled to have his left knee drained on Sunday to relieve persistent irritation and will not participate in the game.
The American League roster also saw additions beyond Peters. White Sox rookie slugger Munetaka Murakami was added to the squad on Friday, returning to action after missing six weeks with a right hamstring strain.
Griffin’s Long Road to All-Star Recognition
Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin represents one of the most compelling comeback stories of the season. At 30 years old, Griffin earned his first All-Star nod after spending three seasons pitching in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league for the Yomiuri Giants.
Griffin has excelled since returning to the majors, pitching to a 10-2 record with a 2.77 ERA in 19 starts for the Nationals. His journey highlights the growing trend of players revitalizing their careers abroad before returning to find success in Major League Baseball.
“I’m later in my career, and it happened now and I’m super grateful for that and super proud of that,” Griffin said. “Just looking back over all the time and effort and work I put in, it’s a huge honor.”
Implications for the Midsummer Classic and Beyond
These roster changes alter the competitive dynamics for both leagues on Tuesday night. The loss of Nick Kurtz—who is batting .266 with 20 home runs and a league-leading 76 walks—deprives the American League of one of its most disciplined power hitters. For the National League, the absence of Ohtani on the field removes a major drawing card, though the addition of high-performing arms like Wrobleski and Griffin bolsters their pitching depth.
As the teams assemble in Philadelphia, baseball fans will watch to see if newcomers like Peters can carry their regular-season momentum onto the national stage. The performance of these late additions will be a key storyline as the second half of the Major League Baseball season prepares to get underway.
