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MLB All-Star Game: Who did not receive an invitation to return?

By Mitchell Vareldzis

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles and the American League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles and the American League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

MLB All-Star Game

Blake Snell

Tampa Bay Rays – Starting Pitcher

Snell was a great story of perseverance last season. Originally the headlining all-star snub across every major outlet in the country, Snell missed out on his first all-star game despite being one of the best pitchers in the AL.

At the time of the announcement, Snell compiled a 12-4 record, held the American League’s leading  2.09 ERA; leading to the controversy. His then-teammate Chris Archer took to Twitter in frustration:

Once Corey Kluber was declared out with an injury, Snell was named his successor.

Snell went on to finish as the American League’s best pitcher; winning his first Cy Young award ahead of Justin Verlander.

Despite starting his 2019 well, a shaky month of June prevented Snell from receiving a second-year invite.

His June proved to be his downfall with a season-worst 9.64 ERA in the month with three starts allowing six or more runs.

Snell’s story was one many people dream of; overcoming getting overlooked, getting the recognition you deserve and the respect of your coworkers.

Now, it is just a distant memory.

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