PHOTO USA Today Sports Images A pair of reserves at third base have already been chosen to join the American League All-Star team in Texas next week, but there’s another choice with a strong argument and living quarters nearby.
Josh Smith is batting over .300 the past two months and ranks in the top 30 in baseball in batting average (.292), OPS (.829), and doubles (19), which is second in the AL.
He adds the versatility to play multiple infield positions, with 22 of his 82 games played at shortstop and the rest at the hot corner.
Unfortunately for Smith, 26, the position is well-stocked on the AL roster. Rafael Devers (Red Sox) and Isaac Paredes (Rays) are in as reserves behind American League starter Jose Ramirez (Guardians).
Smith helped spare the Rangers without Josh Jung in the first half, but he might not get the Midsummer Classic home game in Texas he deserves.
Smith does have one big factor playing in his favor: AL manager Bruce Bochy also manages the Rangers and will help steer decisions should any injury replacements be needed.
Here are the other uninvited All-Stars deserving of consideration:
RHP Ronel Blanco, Astros
Apr 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (56) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park. credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Speaking of rescue missions, where would Houston be right now without Blanco’s unexpectedly dominant first half? The 30-year-old breakout rose to prominence with a no-hitter and has an 8-3 record. He’s also in the top eight in the American League in ERA (2.53) and WHIP (1.01). In 16 starts, nine were quality starts, and the Astros have 12 wins in games started 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 home run go against the Chicago White Sox in the second inning at Target Field. credits: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports At a position overflowing with star power, Castro measures up for a Minnesota club that has only one All-Star before injury replacements are added. Castro has 22 doubles, seven home runs, and 54 runs and would be a solid pick for late-inning pinch-runner duty with a few stellar speed stats: five triples and 10 steals.
RHP Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles
Apr 5, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. credits: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports We get it; Baltimore has talent. But Rodriguez has a share of the American League lead with 11 victories, and the Orioles had only three players chosen from their richly talented roster.
“I want to say some stuff,” Rodriguez said Sunday following another strong start in Baltimore’s 6-3 win over Seattle. “But I can’t.”
Rodriguez isn’t the only member of the Baltimore revival left out in the cold. Anthony Santander has 23 home runs, closer Craig Kimbrel posted a 2.10 ERA and more than 13.5 Ks per nine innings, and yet another AL third baseman, Jordan Westburg, is posting numbers worthy of MVP consideration (39 extra-base hits, 49 RBIs) were he not playing next 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 home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports Speaking of late-game spot sub candidates, Rooker might get a look as a bat off the bench depending on lineup needs if injuries strike this week. Rooker has 18 home runs and 54 RBIs and isn’t afraid to take a pitch. His on-base percentage is .353 and he’s smoking the ball at just the right time, with 10 hits (three home runs) in 20 at-bats in his past six 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 home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports With 22 home runs and a current tear that left the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff with whiplash last week, Walker is one of the most obvious omissions in the National League. He’s no newcomer to the scene, with 69 home runs combined in the two seasons prior to 2024, and he brings Gold Glove defense to boot.
SS Masyn Winn, Cardinals
Jun 3, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) is safe with an infield single as Houston Astros first baseman Jon Singleton (28) fields a throw during the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Closer Ryan Helsley, and his MLB-leading 31 saves deserved the ticket to Texas, but Winn is having an All-Star season and contributing to the Cardinals staying afloat in the NL Central.
The slick-fielding Winn, who is from Kingwood, Texas, would’ve enjoyed the ticket home for the break after making a push in the past week by batting .387 in a seven-game stretch during which his on-base percentage was .457.
