For the first time since 2012, no Baltimore Orioles will be starting for the American League in the All-Star game. The starters were announced last night on ESPN, reserves and pitchers will be released this evening at 7 PM.
When the rest of the roster is unveiled, I hope to see four O’s on that list. The first is a no brainer for me:
1. Manny Machado
Josh Donaldson was the leading vote getter in the AL, but Machado has just about matched his production. Both guys have a .378 wOBA and 142 wRC+, Machado slightly edges Donaldson in average and on base percentage (.299, .296/.356, .352).
This is a career-year for Machado. He’s on pace to hit 34 homers and is the top defender in the AL at third base according to defensive runs saved.
2. Adam Jones
Can they even hold the All-Star game without Adam Jones? He’s been to the mid-summer classic three times in a row, four total over his ten-year career.
But that’s not why he’s deserving of the honor this season.
Jones hit the ground running in 2015, slashing .400/.440/.707 with five home runs and 19 RBI in April. Injuries have brought his batting average down to .286 on the season, but he’s shown more power than most of the AL centerfielders with his 10 homers and .464 slugging percentage.
3. Zach Britton
Only Glen Perkins has more saves in the AL than Zach Britton. The Orioles closer is second in FIP (1.70) behind only Dellin Betances and leads the league in games finished (33).
Just like Machado, Britton is having a career year and I would love to see him honored for it. He’s striking out 10.6 per nine this season, over three more than he did a year ago (7.3).
Home-field advantage in the World Series would be in good hands if Britton comes running out of the bullpen late in the All-Star game.
4. Darren O’Day
It’s a long shot, I know, but Darren O’Day has been fantastic for the Orioles in 2015. Since he isn’t a closer and every team has to be represented in the All-Star game, his chances are slim, but I’ll tell you why he deserves to be in Cincinnati.
1.14 ERA, fifth among all AL relievers. 98.2 LOB%, third among all AL relievers. 24.3% soft contact rate, fifth among all AL relievers.
Right handed batters are hitting .128 with a 15.50 K/BB ratio. Lefties are hitting .211 with a 1.83 K/BB.
Realistically, I think Machado, Jones and Britton will be called upon this evening, but I hope O’Day makes the list too. He’s definitely deserving.
