MLB honors Carlos Carrasco during 'Stand Up To Cancer' ceremony at All-Star Game
The “Stand Up To Cancer” ceremony at Major League Baseball’s biggest events always provides a moment for perspective, reflection and hope.
During the 2019 All-Star Game in Cleveland, it hit a little closer to home than usual.
That’s because one of the Cleveland Indians and MLB’s own is fighting that battle after pitcher Carlos Carrasco announced he was diagnosed with leukemia.
In one of the coolest moments of the night, Carrasco was surrounded by manager Terry Francona and his All-Star teammates at the end of the ceremony in a show of support and solidarity.
We all stand united against cancer.
Who do you stand up for? pic.twitter.com/XnnN8Gjz4R— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 10, 2019
Fans in the ballpark chanted “Cookie,” which is the nickname Carrasco goes by.
The impact of the ceremony and Carrasco’s involvement was felt by everyone. That was especially true for Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who was managing the AL All-Star team.
"We get caught up in wins and losses and pennant races and all that stuff and rivalries, and then that happens. And there's more than baseball in life. And we're thinking and praying for him, his family and hopefully he can be back on the field sooner rather than later."
Carrasco, 32, has not pitched in a game since May 30. He sought testing after reporting feeling lethargic throughout the first half of the season, and was given the diagnosis in June.
In an interview with Dominican news channel CDN 37, Carrasco says he’s received treatment and the disease is under control. He's hopeful to pitch in the majors again before the end of the 2019 season.
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