Two reserve third basemen have already been selected to join the American League All-Star team next week in Texas, but there is another option with a strong argument to make and a home nearby.
Josh Smith has hit over .300 over the past two months and ranks in the top 30 in the major leagues in batting average (.292), OPS (.829) and doubles (19).
He also possesses the versatility to play multiple positions in the infield, playing 22 of his 82 games at shortstop and the rest at short corner.
Unfortunately for the 26-year-old Smith, the position is well-stocked on the American League roster, with Rafael Devers (Red Sox) and Isaac Paredes (Rays) backing up AL starter Jose Ramirez (Guardians).
Smith helped the Rangers in the absence of Josh Jean in the first half, but he may not get the Midsummer Classic home game in Texas that he rightfully deserves.
Smith has one big factor working in his favor: he’s an American League manager. Bruce Bochy will also be the manager of the Rangers. It will also help with decision making if a substitution is required due to injury.
Other uninvited All-Stars worthy of consideration include:
RHP Ronel Blanco, Astros
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (56) pitches during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, USA, April 1, 2024. Credit: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports Speaking of relief efforts, where would Houston be without Blanco’s unexpectedly dominant first half? The 30-year-old breakout pitcher made his name pitching no-hitters and compiled an 8-3 record while also ranking in the top eight of the AL in ERA (2.53) and WHIP (1.01). Nine of his 16 starts were quality starts, and the Astros won 12 of Blanco’s starts.
OF Willy Castro, Twins
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, April 24, 2024 – Minnesota Twins shortstop Willy Castro (50) throws his bat as he watches a three-run home run during the bottom of the second inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. Credit: Bruce Kluehorn – USA Today Sports At a position overflowing with stars, Castro is a good fit for a Minnesota team that only had one All-Star before injuries filled in. Castro has 22 doubles, seven homers and 54 runs scored, and his impressive speed with five triples and 10 stolen bases makes him a good fit for late-inning pinch-running duties.
RHP Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) pitches during the top of the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 5, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Photo by Charles LeClair – USA Today Sports We know Baltimore has talent, but Rodriguez led the AL with 11 wins and the Orioles only had three players to choose from a talented roster.
“There’s something I want to say.” Rodriguez started well again Sunday. “But I can’t,” he said during Baltimore’s 6-3 win over Seattle.
Rodriguez isn’t the only one in the underdog on Baltimore’s resurgent team. Anthony Santander has 23 homers, closer Craig Kimbrel has a 2.10 ERA and 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings, and another AL third baseman, Jordan Westberg, has MVP-worthy numbers (39 extra-base hits, 49 RBIs) if he wasn’t playing next to Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson.
DH Brent Rooker, Athletics
Oakland Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (25) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the top of the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on July 2, 2024 in Oakland, California, USA. Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports Speaking of late-game spot sub candidates, if any injuries occur this week, Rooker could be a bench hitter in the batting order. Rooker has 18 homers and 54 RBIs and isn’t afraid to pitch. He has a .353 on-base percentage and is hitting the ball at a good time, going 10-for-20 (3 homers) in his last six games.
1B Christian Walker, Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker (53) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Chase Field on June 13, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Credit: Joe Campolial – USA Today Sports Walker, who hit 22 homers and is currently dealing with a torn rib that gave Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers whiplash last week, is one of the NL’s most glaring omissions. He’s not a rookie, he’s hit 69 homers combined over two seasons through 2024 and has Gold Glove-worthy defensive prowess.
SS Mashin Win, Cardinals
Houston, Texas, USA, June 3, 2024: St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masin Winn (0) reaches base with an infield hit as Houston Astros first baseman John Singleton (28) receives the throw during the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Credit: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports Closer Ryan Helsley has an MLB-leading 31 saves and deserves a trip to Texas, but Wynn is having an All-Star season and helping the Cardinals stay afloat in the NL Central.
The Kingwood, Texas, native and skilled defensive player struggled last week, batting .387 with a .457 on-base percentage in seven straight games, so he would have been happy to earn a ticket home for the holidays.
