Aeros closer Vinnie Pestano won’t be pitching in the Eastern League All-Star Game after all.
After allowing two runs in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 7-4 loss to visiting Reading, Pestano was examined by team doctors and placed on the disabled list Friday with a right elbow strain.
Pestano, who has already undergone Tommy John elbow surgery once, is 2-3 with a 2.86 ERA. He has converted 24 of 27 saves and struck out 31 batters in 34 2/3 innings so far this season for the Aeros.
Taking Pestano’s place on the Southern Division All-Star roster is Aeros right-hander Carlton Smith. Smith is 4-1 with a 2.94 ERA in 21 appearances (two starts).
Last week, the Aeros lost pitching ace Hector Rondon after a promotion to Triple-A Columbus. Aeros right hander Jeanmar Gomez (6-3, 3.21 ERA) will take Rondon’s spot on the All-Star roster.
