Soriano replaces Rivera on AL all-stars

TAMPA, Fla., July 7 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay's Rafael Soriano is an American League all-star after being picked to take injured New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera's place.

It's the first all-star selection for the 30-year-old Dominican right-hander. Soriano (2-0) has 23 saves in 24 chances with a 1.65 earned run average and has held opposing batters to a .172 average.

Rivera, an 11-time all-star, is sitting out Tuesday's 81st all-star game in Anaheim because of injuries to his left side and right knee.