A pair of reserves at third base have already been chosen to hitch the American League All-Star crew in Texas subsequent week, however there’s one other selection with a powerful argument and residing quarters close by.
Josh Smith is batting over .300 the previous two months and ranks within the high 30 in baseball in batting common (.292), OPS (.829), and doubles (19), which is second within the AL.
He provides the flexibility to play a number of infield positions, with 22 of his 82 video games performed at shortstop and the remaining on the scorching nook.
Sadly for Smith, 26, the place is well-stocked on the AL roster. Rafael Devers (Pink Sox) and Isaac Paredes (Rays) are in as reserves behind American League starter Jose Ramirez (Guardians).
Smith helped spare the Rangers with out Josh Jung within the first half, however he won’t get the Midsummer Traditional dwelling recreation in Texas he deserves.
Smith does have one large issue enjoying in his favor: AL supervisor Bruce Bochy additionally manages the Rangers and can assist steer selections ought to any damage replacements be wanted.
Listed below are the opposite uninvited All-Stars deserving of consideration:
RHP Ronel Blanco, Astros
Apr 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros beginning pitcher Ronel Blanco (56) delivers a pitch through the first inning in opposition to the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park. credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports activities Talking of rescue missions, the place would Houston be proper now with out Blanco’s unexpectedly dominant first half? The 30-year-old breakout rose to prominence with a no-hitter and has an 8-3 file. He’s additionally within the high eight within the American League in ERA (2.53) and WHIP (1.01). In 16 begins, 9 had been high quality begins, and the Astros have 12 wins in video games began by Blanco.
OF Willi Castro, Twins
Apr 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Willi Castro (50) tosses his bat as he watches his three-run dwelling run go in opposition to the Chicago White Sox within the second inning at Goal Area. credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports activities At a place overflowing with star energy, Castro measures up for a Minnesota membership that has just one All-Star earlier than damage replacements are added. Castro has 22 doubles, seven dwelling runs, and 54 runs and could be a strong choose for late-inning pinch-runner obligation with a couple of stellar velocity stats: 5 triples and 10 steals.
RHP Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles
Apr 5, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Orioles beginning pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) delivers a pitch in opposition to the Pittsburgh Pirates through the first inning at PNC Park. credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports activities We get it; Baltimore has expertise. However Rodriguez has a share of the American League lead with 11 victories, and the Orioles had solely three gamers chosen from their richly proficient roster.
“I need to say some stuff,” Rodriguez stated Sunday following one other sturdy begin in Baltimore’s 6-3 win over Seattle. “However I can’t.”
Rodriguez isn’t the one member of the Baltimore revival ignored within the chilly. Anthony Santander has 23 dwelling runs, nearer Craig Kimbrel posted a 2.10 ERA and greater than 13.5 Ks per 9 innings, and one more AL third baseman, Jordan Westburg, is posting numbers worthy of MVP consideration (39 extra-base hits, 49 RBIs) had been he not enjoying subsequent to Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson.
DH Brent Rooker, Athletics
Jul 2, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (25) rounds the bases after hitting a house run in opposition to the Los Angeles Angels through the fourth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Obligatory Credit score: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports activities Talking of late-game spot sub candidates, Rooker would possibly get a glance as a bat off the bench relying on lineup wants if accidents strike this week. Rooker has 18 dwelling runs and 54 RBIs and isn’t afraid to take a pitch. His on-base share is .353 and he’s smoking the ball at simply the proper time, with 10 hits (three dwelling runs) in 20 at-bats in his previous six video games.
1B Christian Walker, Diamondbacks
Jun 13, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first base Christian Walker (53) runs the bases after hitting a solo dwelling run in opposition to the Los Angeles Angels through the third inning at Chase Area. Obligatory Credit score: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports activities With 22 dwelling runs and a present tear that left the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching workers with whiplash final week, Walker is likely one of the most blatant omissions within the Nationwide League. He’s no newcomer to the scene, with 69 dwelling runs mixed within the two seasons previous to 2024, and he brings Gold Glove protection as well.
SS Masyn Winn, Cardinals
Jun 3, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) is secure with an infield single as Houston Astros first baseman Jon Singleton (28) fields a throw through the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Obligatory Credit score: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports activities Nearer Ryan Helsley, and his MLB-leading 31 saves deserved the ticket to Texas, however Winn is having an All-Star season and contributing to the Cardinals staying afloat within the NL Central.
The slick-fielding Winn, who’s from Kingwood, Texas, would’ve loved the ticket dwelling for the break after making a push prior to now week by batting .387 in a seven-game stretch throughout which his on-base share was .457.
