Astros Manager on Texas Rangers All-Stars: 'They Deserve It'

Houston Astros' Dusty Baker will manage the Texas Rangers' All-Stars on July 11 in Seattle.

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

ARLINGTON, Texas — For one night, at least four Texas Rangers players will have a new boss — Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker.

Baker will manage the American League All-Star team on July 11 in Seattle, as a result of his Astros representing the American League in last October’s World Series.

Four Rangers were voted in as starters for the AL — second baseman Marcus Semien, shortstop Corey Seager, third baseman Josh Jung and catcher Jonah Heim.

Seager, Jung and Heim are all making their first starts in the All-Star game. Semien will be making his second.

There is a reasonable expectation that Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and outfielder Adolis García could join the starters when the reserves and pitching staffs are announced on Sunday.

Baker said the quartet of Rangers starters deserve the honor.

“They deserve it. I mean they’re having some great years, and they’re good,” Baker said. “Now, I’m trying to figure out, was this a national vote? Did you guys have the crowds to swing the decision, because that’s usually a New York kind of thing.”

The Rangers did beat out three players that had an entire country behind them — Toronto Blue Jays’ infield trio of shortstop Bo Bichette, third baseman Matt Chapman and second baseman Whit Merrifield.

Naturally, Baker was being humorous about the vote and the crowds. What he was serious about was the opportunity to manage the four Rangers — for at least one night.

“I’ve known Semien for a while, and he told me the other day that it will be an honor to play for both Bruce (Bochy) and me in one season,” Baker said.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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