Live from Washington: Rays Blake Snell was under consideration for All-Star start

UPDATE, 2:33: AL manager A.J. Hinch said  Snell, even though he wasn't named to team until Friday, was in the mix to start the game, that he was "not too far behind," though Boston's Chris Sale was chosen.  Snell is likely to be 3rd pitcher in behind Sale and Yankees RHP Luis Severino. … Sale said Snell approached him at breakfast to talk about pitching; Sale said as well as Snell is pitching he doesn't need to be asking any questions.

DEVELOPING: LHP Blake Snell, C Wilson Ramos and manager Kevin Cash are all in Washington representing the Rays at the All-Star Game.

Snell is the on the active roster after being added Friday as a replacement  and is expected to pitch an inning for the AL team in Tuesday's game, his first turn on the national stage after an impressive career turnaround.

Ramos was elected the starting catcher but strained his left hamstring in Saturday's game in Minnesota and had to withdraw from active duty but will participate in all the festivities. He was greatly looking forward to playing in the game, having spent parts of seven seasons with the Nationals and becoming somewhat of a fan favorite. The injury is disappointing for him and the Rays.

Cash was selected as a coach for the second straight year and will assist AL/Astros manager A.J. Hinch, an acknowledgement of the work he has  done with the squad.

The first official activity today are the media sessions, which can get interesting because of the abundance of entertainment and international reporters, followed by the team workouts and then the Home Run Derby.

We'll provides updates here during the day, with a full report in Tuesday's Times.