Steve Webb
Four Dodgers will be heading to Denver
LOS ANGELES — Justice! Delayed justice to be sure, but justice nevertheless. MLB today announced a few changes to the All-Star rosters today in light of various injuries and personal issues. But in good news for your Los Angeles Dodgers both third baseman Justin Turner and starting pitcher Walker Buehler will be on the National League squad this year.
In the case of Turner, it is righting a horrible wrong. He has much better numbers in almost every offensive category than NL starter Nolan Arenado this year, and reserve Kris Bryant is mired in a slump and barely plays the position anyway. For the year, Turner is hitting .302 with 14 home runs and an .882 OPS. That, my friends, is an All-Star.
As for Buehler, it was equally inexplicable that he was left off the roster as well. He has been dominant all year, and has been the one rock in the Dodgers rotation this year. He has an 8-1 record with a 2.49 ERA and only the Phillies’ Aaron Nola averages more innings per start than Buehler. Though deGrom is probably a lock for Cy Young this year, Walker’s turn is coming, and coming soon.
And, in probably a wise decision, Mookie Betts has opted out of playing in Colorado next week, citing unspecified “injuries”. Whether it’s injury or just the fact that the guy needs a few days to rest after going deep into the playoffs the last five years, it makes sense all the way around. Rest well, Mookie, and come back strong in the second half.
Finally, it was interesting to note that FIVE Astros* are opting out of the game this year because… well, you know why. That too is for the best. It would be something to see the boos rain down on those guys in an All-Star game. However, there will be booing opportunities aplenty next month when the Astros* come to Dodger Stadium for a much anticipated series. Now, THAT will be worth the price of admission, for sure.
The All-Star game starts at 4;30 pm local time on Tuesday. Broadcast on Fox, so get ready with your Buck/Smoltz snark. And let’s go, Max, Chris, Justin, and Walker!
