Steve Cockey

Machado voted an All Star starter; Trumbo and Wieters reserves; Britton and Brach on pitching staff

FREE ARTICLE

The Orioles will be well-represented in the 2016 Midsummer Classic.

Manny Machado has been voted by the fans as an All Star Game starter for the first time. Machado, who turns 24 on Wednesday, will be making his third appearance overall in the game (he made the team as a reserve in 2013 and 2015).

Two other O’s position players also made the squad as reserves. Mark Trumbo, who leads the American League with 24 home runs entering Tuesday night, was no surprise. He’s making his second appearance overall and first since 2012. Catcher Matt Wieters will also represent the Orioles and back up leading vote-getter Salvador Perez. Wieters had the second-most votes for the position and is tied with Perez for the RBI lead amongst AL backstops with 37.

On the pitching side, it’s not surprising that both Orioles’ selections were relievers. Zach Britton (and his 0.80 ERA and 23 saves) was a lock to be selected. But Brad Brach, while certainly deserving, was a bit of a surprise. Non-closing relievers usually have a tough time getting chosen, but his teammates have been campaigning hard for the valuable right-hander, and they got their wish. Brach’s 1.10 ERA in 44 2/3 innings certainly didn’t hurt his chances, either.

Despite 21 homers that lead all AL first baseman, Chris Davis was not selected as a reserve, nor did he make the ‘Final Vote’ that will determine the last spot on the team. He, along with Chris Tillman and Jonathan Schoop, could be candidates to replace any injured players.

Steve Cockey

Steve Cockey is a lifelong Orioles fan who grew up in Harford County and is a graduate of both C. Milton Wright High School and Loyola University Maryland. Steve's passion for both baseball and internet advertising -- his "day job" -- led him to start BaltimoreBaseball.com in early 2016. He is a current resident of the Canton neighborhood of Baltimore and credits his love of baseball to his dad, Dr. Stephen Cockey, Sr.

Share
Published by
Steve Cockey

Recent Posts

  • Peter Schmuck

Peter Schmuck: Orioles’ Brandon Hyde has enough slack to be patient with struggling players

If you find it hard to understand why Orioles manager Brandon Hyde stubbornly defends his…

May 15, 2024
  • Orioles

Hyde sticking with Mullins; Orioles-Blue Jays postponed

BALTIMORE---Before Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays was postponed by rain, Cedric Mullins…

May 14, 2024
  • Uncategorized

Midday Mailbag: Should the Orioles make Grayson Rodriguez the closer?

Every weekday, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit…

May 14, 2024
  • Rich Dubroff

What they’re saying about Rutschman’s home runs, Burnes’ start and Orioles’ 3-2 loss to Blue Jays

BALTIMORE—What happened? Adley Rutschman hit two home runs, but the Orioles had just one other…

May 14, 2024
  • Uncategorized

Rutschman homers twice but Orioles get just 3 hits in 3-2, 10-inning loss to Blue Jays

BALTIMORE ---Catcher Adley Rutschman hit two home runs, but the Orioles had just one other…

May 13, 2024
  • Jersey of the Game

Orioles’ Jersey of the Game-Elrod Hendricks

Elrod Hendricks was a longtime catcher and spent 28 years as bullpen coach, the longest…

May 13, 2024