Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Projecting Houston Astros All-Star Game Roster Chances
The Houston Astros could have three players on the American League All-Star Team if ESPN’s recent projections for next month’s All-Star Game are correct.
The Astros, despite a myriad of injuries, remain in the race for the American League West lead, still within striking distance of the first-place Texas Rangers.
ESPN projected one starter for the Astros in outfielder Yordan Alvarez, noting that while he has played more games at DH that is on the ballot as an outfielder.
Entering Wednesday’s action Alvarez is slashing .274/.388/.574/.962 with 16 home runs and an MLB-leading 53 RBI.
Pitcher Framber Valdez made the team as part of the pitching staff. In fact, the article named Valdez the starter in what it called a “wide-open” race to be the starter.
Valdez is 6-4 with a 2.16 ERA in 12 starts with 84 strikeouts and 16 walks.
The third player to make it was second baseman Jose Altuve, who just returned to the lineup after a second injured list stint. He missed most of the season due to an injury he suffered in the World Baseball Classic.
In just 11 games he’s slashed .286/.388/.500/.888 with two home runs and six RBI. The logic for making him a reserve?
Nobody else has stepped up to earn this position, so let's go with a guy who is one of the game's biggest stars, even if he didn't make his season debut until May 19.
The Seattle Mariners will host the All-Star Game on July 11.
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