Between them this year, Twins batters have compiled 156 home runs, yet only one Twins batter will be represented in the All-Star Game.
Jorge Polanco had already been confirmed as the starting shortstop for the American League after his scintillating first half of the season, and more Twins were expected to be named as reserves when they were revealed Sunday afternoon.
But nope, the reserve batters don’t include Eddie Rosario, CJ Cron, Nelson Cruz, Byron Buxton, Mitch Garver or, most glaringly of all, Max Kepler.
At least a Twins pitcher will be involved, with Jake Odorizzi making the reserves after a standout start to the year.
But back to the batting lineup.
Kepler has an OPS of .892 with 21 home runs, 53 RBIs and a 2.9 WAR (wins above replacement).
Austin Meadows of the Rays, who made it into the outfield ahead of him, has an .888 OPS with 12 home runs, 41 RBI and a WAR of 1.8.
Mookie Betts of the Red Sox has an OPS of .837, 13 home runs, just 37 RBI and a 2.8 WAR.
Even Texas’ Joey Gallo has fewer home runs and RBIs than Kepler, albeit has a stunning 1.084 OPS.
Rosario too has a right to feel aggrieved since he’s accumulated a .844 OPS with 20 home runs, 60 RBI and a 2.3 WAR.
As CBS notes, this year the pitchers and reserves for both teams were determined through a combination of player ballot choices and selections made by the commissioner’s office.
Here’s the American League team.
CGary Sanchez, Yankees
1B Carlos Santana, Indians
2BDJ LeMahieu, Yankees
SSJorge Polanco, Twins
3BAlex Bregman, Astros
OFMike Trout, Angels
OFGeorge Springer, Astros
OFMichael Brantley, Astros
DHHunter Pence, Rangers
Reserves
C: James McCann, White Sox
1B: Jose Abreu, White Sox
2B: Tommy La Stella, Angels
2B: Whit Merrifield, Royals
3B: Matt Chapman, A’s
SS: Francisco Lindor, Indians
OF: Mookie Betts, Red Sox
OF: Joey Gallo, Rangers
OF: Austin Meadows, Rays
DH: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox
DH: Daniel Vogelbach, Mariners
Pitchers
LHP: Aroldis Chapman, Yankees
RHP: Gerrit Cole, Astros
RHP: Lucas Giolito, White Sox
RHP: Shane Greene, Tigers
LHP: Brad Hand, Indians
LHP: John Means, Orioles
LHP: Mike Minor, Rangers
RHP: Charlie Morton, Rays
RHP: Jake Odorizzi, Twins
RHP: Ryan Pressly, Astros
RHP: Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays
RHP: Justin Verlander, Astros
