Angels’ Jordan Walden selected to American League All-Star team

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Angels rookie closer Jordan Walden was selected to the American League All-Star team on Thursday. He becomes the first Angels rookie to make the All-Star team since pitcher Jason Dickson in 1997.

Walden replaces New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera on the AL roster. Walden ranked fifth among relief pitchers in All-Star voting among players, and he was next in line when Rivera bowed out.

Walden, 23, is 1-2 with a 2.95 earned-run average this season. He has 19 saves, three shy of the Angels’ rookie record, set by Ken Tatum in 1969.

Walden joins Angels teammates Jered Weaver and Howie Kendrick on the All-Star team.

-- Bill Shaikin

RELATED:

Weaver, Kershaw are among possible All-Star starters

Judge sides with MLB in Dodgers’ bankruptcy hearing

Angels can’t get relief in 5-4 loss to Tigers