MLB All-Star Game: 5 more snubs from the rosters

Our colleague John Buhler at our parent site FanSided had an article last night after the rosters were announced for the MLB All-Star Game in Los Angeles that will take place next week.

He had his list of the five biggest snubs but there are plenty of more snubs from the roster so here is our list of five more snubs from the rosters.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith

This current era of catchers are not a very good hitting bunch. In fact, only seven teams entered Sunday with a wRC+ above 100, or offensive production above league average, at the catching position.

In other words, when there’s a catcher having a good offensive season, that catcher is usually going to be on the team. When that catcher plays for the team that is hosting the game, it is even more surprising. That’s what makes Will Smith’s omission so surprising.

Entering Sunday, Smith was hitting .258/.351/.452 in 71 games with 13 home runs and 40 RBI. His 129 wRC+ was the third-highest among catchers in all of baseball with at least 200 plate appearances and second-highest among NL catchers with at 200 plate appearances.

As with all of these players, Smith very well could make the team as an injury replacement or (for pitchers) as a replacement for someone who makes a start on Sunday but it was a bit surprising to not see Will Smith among the reserve players on the National League All-Star roster.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman has been one of the best starting pitchers in the sport to start the 2022 season, despite not getting much run support or having the bullpen blow games for him.

He has a 6-6 record with a 2.86 ERA, which is 9th in the American League. In 88 innings, he has allowed just two home runs, for an average of just 0.2 home runs per nine innings, which leads the sport. He is also averaging just 1.6 walks in comparison to 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Furthermore, his FIP is 1.67 (further suggesting bad luck so far), which is best in the majors. His fWAR is also 3.7, which is the best in the American League among starting pitchers and tied for the best in the sport.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola

Like Kevin Gausman, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola has had a lot of bad luck to start the 2022 season, as the Phillies have scored four runs or less in 11 of his 17 starts, leading to his losing record of 5-6.

Entering Sunday, he had 111.1 innings pitched, which was the second-highest in the majors for an average of 6 2/3 innings per start. His 3.15 ERA was tied for 13th in the NL but his 2.91 FIP is fifth in the league. He is also leading the NL in walk rate at just 1.2 BB/9 and he’s striking out 9.7 batters per nine innings as well.