After being shut out in fan voting for starters, the Los Angeles Dodgers only had Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Chris Taylor selected to the National League roster as 2021 MLB All-Star Game reserves.
Betts is an All-Star for the fifth time in his career, it’s a second selection for Muncy, and Taylor’s first. Fellow Dodgers teammates and All-Star Game finalists Gavin Lux and Justin Turner fell short.
The Dodgers also did not have a single pitcher selected to this year’s Midsummer Classic, which is a jarring outcome for a franchise with a long line of talented hurlers. Kenley Jansen appeared to be a lock, Walker Buehler had a strong case, and Trevor Bauer presumably would have been selected as well if not for the current investigation into alleged sexual assault.
On the position player side, Lux faced an uphill battle and was a surprise inclusion in Phase 2 of voting. However, Turner — and for that matter Will Smith — earn spots on this year’s list of All-Star Game snubs.
“I know Dodger fans were out there doing their best,” Muncy said after voting for All-Star Game starters was finalized. “Unfortunately it’s a lot of the country against us, but thank you to all the Dodger fans that did vote. Not just for me but all of us. We really appreciated it.
After Smith failed to crack the top three in fan voting, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was hopeful that would be corrected through the player vote and selections by the commissioner’s office.
“Obviously, that’s the fans’ vote, but hopefully the players get it right,” Roberts recently said. “I just don’t see how he’s not one of the top three catchers in the National League. But outside of that, with our guys, I’m thrilled.”
Barring potential injury replacements, Roberts will manage in the All-Star Game for a third time, but only with three players joining him at Coors Field.
Muncy in Home Run Derby?
With multiple spots in the 2021 Home Run Derby still not filled, there’s some thought the Dodgers may be represented by Muncy. He recently expressed some willingness to participate in the event, but only if selected to the All-Star Game.
At minimum, Muncy is likely to serve as the designated hitter in the NL lineup.
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