Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — On Thursday afternoon, Major League baseball announced the results of Phase One of the All-Star voting, and there are a few Dodgers among the finalists, but it’s overall pretty disappointing for the Boys in Blue.
First, the good news. Mookie Betts is still on the ballot, although even if he is named to the team, we won’t be seeing him play because of the injury to his hand. Shohei Ohtani will almost certainly be the starting DH for the National League, as he moves into a head-to-head matchup with Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber. And Teoscar Hernandez looks to be in a good position to be a starter in the outfield, as he is among six finalists at that position.
Now, the bummer news. Because first baseman Bryce Harper of the Phillies was the NL’s highest overall vote-getter, there will be no further voting for that position, as Harper earns himself an automatic start by virtue of his victory in the “primaries.” So Freddie has a chance to be named as a reserve, but we can’t even vote for him in the last round. Boo! Also, unfortunately Will Smith will not be on the ballot, either, as he finished behind both the Brewers’ William Contreras and the Phillies’ JT Realmuto. So Smith is in the same spot Freddie’s in; he’s going to have to hope to be added as a reserve. Smith is having a better year than Realmuto, but the rabid Philadelphia fan base really showed up for their guys in the first round. The Fightin’ Phils have a player at every position except second base moving into the final round. But I guess that is to be expected given the great season they’re having in Philly this year.
So with Betts unable to participate, that means at best the Dodgers will have two players starting the game. Not the best showing from the team, but given how the expectations were at the beginning of the year, and the relatively mild production from many of the position players thus far, it’s not that surprising. So Dodger fans, let’s turn out and get our guys across the finish line! Voting for the 2024 MLB All-Star Ballot Finals presented by BuildSubmarines.com will begin on Sunday, June 30 at 12:00 p.m. ET
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