Baltimore's got something to cheer about, as the Orioles are sending pitching ace Corbin Burnes to this year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Burnes, who boasts a 9-3 record with a sharp 2.32 ERA, will join teammates Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman at the annual showcase of baseball's finest, as reported by CBS News Baltimore.
Not to be overshadowed, Burnes's nod comes amidst the Orioles leading the pack in the American League East, with a stout 56-32 record. However, it's a bittersweet moment for several top performers slighted by the selection process. A cadre of Orioles including the likes of Anthony Santander and Jordan Westburg, who’ve made significant inputs this season, are noticeably absent from the All-Star Game roster.
Meanwhile, WBALTV notes that despite leading the American League in wins, a few stars like closer Craig Kimbrel, with 23 saves and a 2.10 ERA, were not selected, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Corbin is notably accompanied by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, who were voted as starters, with Henderson adding some extra spectacle as he steps into this year's Home Run Derby on July 15.
Speaking of pitchers, the decision not to include Grayson Rodriguez, tied for the league lead with 11 wins, and the snub of aforementioned power hitters have cast a shadow on the selection process. Especially when compared to the Philadelphia Phillies, which has seven of their own tapped for All-Star duties. The Orioles may be the best in the AL, but the roster doesn't fully reflect such dominance. The Mid-Summer Classic itself is setting up shop at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas come July 16, where fans will see if those selected will shine or if the snubs were indeed a mistake.
