Although the Los Angeles Dodgers saw Max Muncy, Gavin Lux, Justin Turner, Mookie Betts and Chris Taylor advance to Phase 2 of voting this week, neither were selected as a starter for the 2021 MLB All-Star Game.
Muncy lost out to Freddie Freeman at first base, Turner was edged out by Nolan Arenado at third base, and Lux finished third behind Adam Frazier and Ozzie Albies at second base. Mookie Betts and Chris Taylor additionally placed fourth and fifth, respectively, among National League outfielders.
As a result, the Dodgers won’t have a starter in the All-Star Game for the first time since 2017. “It is what it is. Fans didn’t feel I deserved a spot, so that’s really all it was,” Muncy said.
“I know Dodger fans were out there doing their best. 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.
“It was unfortunate but we really did appreciate everyone that got out there to vote.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who will oversee the NL roster for the third time since 2018, echoed Muncy and believes the team did not receive enough fan support elsewhere around the country. “It’s the fan voting,” Roberts began.
“I just think the team that’s the best team in baseball, let alone the National League, doesn’t have a starter, so I don’t know. Obviously it’s the fan voting.
“I know our guys probably won’t admit it but might be disappointed because it is an honor and thrill to be voted in by the fans to start in an All-Star Game. But it is what it is.”
Roberts not including Dave Martinez on All-Star Game coaching staff
Roberts’ All-Star Game coaching staff has taken shape in recent days, with hometown Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black expected to be part of it.
The group, however, will not include Washington Nationals manager Davey Martinez. He voiced a desire to be part of the festivities due to missing out on the Midsummer Classic last year.
“I did get wind of that article that was written by The Athletic. I did ask him to be on my staff when we were here (for the 2018 All-Star Game) in D.C. I have so much respect for Davey and his staff,” Roberts said.
“As I read it, it was something he felt he would’ve liked to enjoy with his staff, which I completely understand. It certainly wasn’t a slight to Davey as a baseball manager or person I have the utmost respect for. … I think the whole point for Davey is he wanted to share that moment with his staff.”
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