Connect with us

Baseball

Orioles hopeful of getting multiple All-star players this coming season as…

Published

on

From 2017 to 2022, the Orioles only had one player represent them at the All-Star Game, with no game in 2020. However, last year, they had four players on the American League team: outfielder Austin Hays, catcher Adley Rutschman, and relievers Félix Bautista and Yennier Cano.

This year, the team might have four or even more representatives. Gunnar Henderson, Rutschman, and pitcher Corbin Burnes are almost guaranteed to make the team, either by vote or selection.

All-Star voting started Wednesday and phase one will run until June 27. You can vote here.

During the series in Toronto, manager Brandon Hyde was asked if he had a particular player in mind for the All-Star Game, which will be held on July 16 in Arlington, Texas.

“I love when our guys get considered. We had four last year, which was awesome. I hope we get at least four again this year. We have several players who deserve consideration. If there’s a dark horse candidate, I’d say Jordan Westburg. Look at his numbers and his nightly contributions to our team. He’s consistent, strong defensively, and has significantly impacted our lineup. Westburg definitely deserves consideration,” said Hyde.

As of Saturday, the Orioles had two pitchers among the American League ERA leaders, with Burnes fifth at 2.26 and Cole Irvin tenth at 2.87. Craig Kimbrel’s 14 saves ranked third in the AL. Among AL leaders in OPS, Henderson was fifth (.940), Westburg and Ryan Mountcastle were tied for 13th (.832), and Rutschman was 16th (.818).

Given their strong performance this season, the Orioles should attract significant attention in the voting and have multiple players on the All-Star team. The last time they had five players on the team was in 2016 with Brad Brach, Zack Britton, Manny Machado, Mark Trumbo, and Matt Wieters.

This year’s Orioles All-Star ballot includes:

  • First base: Ryan Mountcastle
  • Second base: Jorge Mateo
  • Shortstop: Gunnar Henderson
  • Third base: Jordan Westburg
  • Catcher: Adley Rutschman
  • Designated hitter: Ryan O’Hearn
  • Outfield: Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander

In other news, right-hander Kyle Bradish pitched yesterday at The Trop as the Orioles shut out the Rays 5-0. Bradish, Danny Coulombe, and Cionel Perez combined for a two-hitter with no walks and 14 strikeouts. Bradish allowed just one hit, struck out nine, and improved to 2-0 with a 2.62 ERA.

This marked the Orioles’ fifth shutout of the season and first since May 3 at Cincinnati. It was their first shutout at The Trop since May 25, 2018.

Trending