The Toronto Blue Jays have gone 7-3 over their last ten games, and currently sit 3.5 games back of the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles. The reigning AL East champs have a roster riddled with All-Star caliber talent, but which of them will be participating in this year’s Mid-Summer Classic?
It may be outlandish to not see Josh Donaldson, the reigning American League MVP, not in this years’ All-Star game, but the third base position is going to be a battle. It is also highly likely that the DH spot will go to David Ortiz, leaving Edwin Encarnacion hopeful for a backup role at best. Jose Bautista has been an All-Star six-consecutive seasons, but that trend may come to an end this year, as there are at least eight other outfielders more deserving of an All-Star appearance. So who are the ASGWorthy Blue Jays?
All-Star Game Worthy Blue Jays
There are two Blue Jays who have performed at an excellent level and deserve consideration to take the field and represent the American League this season: starting pitcher Marco Estrada and left fielder Michael Saunders. These two players have been integral to the Blue Jays success this season, and if they continue to perform the same way throughout June, they will be more than deserving of an All-Star bid.
Estrada is fourth among American League starters with a 2.41 ERA, and has kept batters to a .167 average, best among all AL starters. He has gone 3-0 over his past seven starts, striking out thirty-eight while giving up a mere eighteen walks and twelve earned runs in the process. He has established himself as the Blue Jays ace of the 2016 season, and if his remaining four starts in June are similar to his recent ones, he will not only be ASGWorthy, but could potentially be starter for the American League.
Saunders has an impressive .289 average this season, with nine home runs and nineteen RBI. He is eighth among AL outfielders in batting average and is third in doubles, with fourteen. The All-Star voting process can be skewed, and although his average may be near .300, his low RBI total will be what holds him back from making the All Star roster. He may be ASGWorthy, but thanks to the outfield duos of Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley, Jr. in Boston, and Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun in Anaheim, along with Mark Trumbo in Baltimore and George Springer in Houston, the race for an All-Star spot in the outfield is highly saturated.
As noted earlier, it may be alarming to see the reigning AL MVP not make the All Star roster, but that may be the outcome for Donaldson this year. His thirteen home runs and thirty RBI are admirable, but not enough to get a spot on the All-Star roster right now. Manny Machado (Orioles) is batting .307 this season and has already tallied fifteen home runs and thirty-six RBI. Todd Frazier (White Sox) may have a dismal .219 average, but his eighteen home runs are second in the league, and he has also driven in forty. If Donaldson heats up in June and one of these two cool off, he may be able to grab an All-Star spot. However, for the moment, Machado is the starter at third base for the American League.
Edwin Encarnacion has been a fan-favorite in Toronto ever since his breakout season in 2012. Like Donaldson, his twelve home runs and forty-six RBI are a great start to his 2016 campaign. He continues to be a force in the middle of the Blue Jays line-up, and will be one of the most sought-after free agents this off season. The team that may look to sign him is the Boston Red Sox, due to the impending retirement of their own DH, David Ortiz.
Oritz will likely be the starting DH for the American League, and is finishing off his career in impressive fashion. He leads in most offensive categories among designated hitters with a .340 average, twenty-six doubles, sixteen home runs, and fifty-four RBI. At 40 years old, he looks like he could play until he’s 50. Big Papi is a future Hall of Famer, and will leave a lasting memory in the hearts of Boston fans long after his playing career is over.
The starting rotation has been the clear bright spot for the Blue Jays this season and, barring a collapse, Estrada should be representing Canada’s team at the All-Star Game. He may not be the only member of the Blue Jays rotation to earn a spot. Rookie Aaron Sanchez has a 5-1 record, and his 2.99 is tenth in the league.
Until his lack luster performance last night, J.A. Happ would have also been in consideration for the pitching staff at the All-Star Game. However, his ERA has now been elevated to 3.57, and he is likely now on the outside looking in. Another rookie, Roberto Osuna, may earn consideration for the closer’s role with a strong June. He has thirty-one strikeouts in 26.1 innings, and has converted on thirteen of fourteen save opportunities.
The Mid-Summer Classic takes place on July 12 at Petco Park, and voting ends on June 30. Be sure to cast your ballot for your favorite players, and enjoy the divisional races as they heat up toward the mid-season break.
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