"We just be letting anyone in the All-Star Game now" - MLB fans question replacements for Devers and Glasnow
As the MLB All-Star Game draws near, the latest choice to replace Rafael Devers and Tyler Glasnow with Jordan Westburg and Hunter Greene has caused some debate among baseball fans. The choices have led to questions regarding the criteria for All-Star selections and the perceived importance of the event.
Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers has been fighting a shoulder injury, while Los Angeles Dodgers' Tyler Glasnow was sidelined due to back tightness. It was decided on Tuesday that neither would play in the Mid-Summer Classic. Consequently, Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg and Cincinnati Reds' Hunter Greene were called upon to fill their spots.
Westburg, currently holding a .281 batting average and 14 home runs, mentioned his surprise at being chosen:
"I was honored and humbled just to be in those conversations."
Despite his solid performance this season, some fans expressed skepticism about his selection, feeling that it lacks the traditional star power that is usually present at the All-Star Game.
Meanwhile, Greene has shown a lot of potential, with a 5-4 record and a 3.45 ERA so far this season. Notably, he leads the Cincinnati Reds with 116 strikeouts. His selection has been met with a bit more acceptance due to his notable performance on the mound this season.
This year’s All-Star Game selections have attracted some negative thoughts from fans
These recent selections ignited a broader discussion about what makes someone an All-Star. Even as injuries to key players are an inevitable aspect of the sport, the replacements that are picked often cause debates around merit and the way talent is represented across the MLB:
"We just be letting anyone in the "All-Star" game now," posted one fan on X/Twitter.
The absence of fan favorites like Devers and Glasnow will undoubtedly be felt next week in Arlington, Texas. However, this presents a significant opportunity for Westburg and Greene, offering them a chance to prove their talents on one of the biggest stages of the season.
What do you think of Jordan Westburg and Hunter Greene's selections to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.