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\u2019s another choice with a strong argument and living quarters nearby.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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)<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Smith does have one big factor playing in his favor: AL manager Bruce Bochy also manages the Rangers<\/a> and will help steer decisions should any injury replacements be needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are the other uninvited All-Stars deserving of consideration:<\/p>\n Speaking of rescue missions, where would Houston be right now without Blanco\u2019s unexpectedly dominant first half? The 30-year-old breakout rose to prominence with a no-hitter and has an 8-3 record. He\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\nRHP Ronel Blanco, Astros<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n
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 <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
OF Willi Castro, Twins<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n
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 <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
RHP Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n
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 <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n