Steve Webb
The MLB All-Star game is a celebration of the sport’s best players across the league. Players from teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Braves and Mets are almost always keyed in selections for the big game.
Most of the time, the selections are no-brainers, position players like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper and pitchers like Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, Max Fried are almost always known to be selected but this year’s All-Star game features some notable snubs for the Boys in Blue.
Gavin Lux is one notable exclusion from the Midsummer Classic. His first-half performance had been red hot coming into break, posting a .292 batting average and proved himself a clutch hitter. While Lux’s effectiveness, or lack thereof in the outfield wasn’t a shining example of his effectiveness, his exclusion nonetheless caused unrest amongst the Dodger faithful.
Another key exclusion was catcher Will Smith, now regarded as a veteran, he’s proven time and time again what offensive and defensive capabilities he’s had over the last few years.
Hitting just a shy above .272 this season, Smith too has proved to be quite clutch like his teammate Lux has. The two were the most notable exclusions and said exclusions came as quite a shock when sure-fire All-Stars began sitting out the game and replacements were called in.
Hopefully, next year MLB selects these two as they are sure to have great 2nd half this year and more great seasons ahead of them.
