The Houston Astros are represented well in this year’s Midsummer Classic. Yet, even with five players in the game, two more could have been included. However, it’s unsure whether they were considered significant snubs.
A handful of Houston Astros are heading to the All-Star Game this season. Five players from the reigning World Series champs earned spots on the current roster.
But that doesn’t mean all five will be there. It also means more Houston players might be in Washington by next week.
Only the Indians listed more players on either of the two rosters compared to the Astros. Of course, that doesn’t include any team’s Final Vote participants.
Jose Altuve receive the spotlight after he became the first Astros player to receive the most van votes. Meanwhile, Alex Bregman got his first All-Star appearance thanks to his torrid stretch across the past two months.
All five of the current participants earned their way into the Midsummer Classic.
This is the third time the #Astros have had five or more players selected for the All-Star Game. Had six last year.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) July 9, 2018
Justin Verlander was arguably the best AL starter during the first half, while Gerrit Cole owns career-best numbers. He also exhibited why he deserves a spot Monday when he whiffed more than 10 Athletics players.
Of the nominees, Springer is the only one with a debatable resumé from this season. However, that’s only because he’s been in a slump for the past few weeks.
George Springer, outfielder, second appearance
Jose Altuve, second baseman (starting), sixth appearance
Justin Verlander, starting pitcher, seventh appearance
Gerrit Cole, starting pitcher, second appearance
Alex Bregman, third baseman, first appearance
But there is an argument to be made for a few Houston players that were snubbed in Charlie Morton and Collin McHugh. Though they have less of an argument than Rays pitcher Blake Snell, it’s reasonable.
Thus, it’s likely that at least one of the two will participate in the game solely because of how the rosters are set up. Pitchers frequently miss out because they have to pitch a few days before – Verlander’s case. Injuries also play a role.
Nevertheless, both Morton and McHugh could have initially made it if the “one person per one team” rule was nonexistent.