The 2022 MLB All-Star Game ballot was unveiled last week, with voting for Phase 1 open until 11 a.m. PT on June 30. The Los Angeles Dodgers have several players who are deserving of receiving consideration, some of whom manager Dave Roberts named this week.
“I’m going to start with Will Smith,” Roberts said when asked which of his players should make the All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.
“I’ve been pounding the table on Will Smith for a couple of years now. I think he’s the best catcher in all of baseball. I think he’s probably one of the most underrated players in the game.
“And then I’m going to go with Mookie, Freddie and Trea, which their numbers don’t lie, elite players, popular players, and Tony Gonsolin.”
Smith is batting .244/.348/.424 with seven doubles, eight home runs, 29 RBI and a 1.6 WAR across 201 plate appearances in 50 games this season.
Since making his MLB debut in 2019, Smith has put up some of the best offensive numbers for any catcher, hitting an impressive .259/.361/.507 with 44 doubles, 56 home runs and 172 RBI over 271 games.
Roberts previously touted Smith as deserving of making the All-Star Game and was disappointed after the fan vote didn’t produce as much. Roberts hoped Smith would make the Midsummer Classic as a reserve, but he was still left off.
Gonsolin among Dodgers looking to earn All-Star selection
In addition to Smith, Roberts named Tony Gonsolin as a player he would choose for the All-Star Game. The right-hander allowed just one hit over 6.1 scoreless innings in his last start against the Los Angeles Angels and has essentially carried the Dodgers rotation.
With the excellent outing, Gonsolin improved to a Major League-best 8-0 with a 1.42 ERA, 3.10 FIP and 0.82 WHIP in 63.1 innings over 12 starts.
Gonsolin recently revealed that he made it a goal of his to reach the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.
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