The MLB All-Star Game is set to take place Tuesday at Nationals Park in Washington D.C. However, as the mid-summer classic approaches, I can’t help but wonder about one player who deserves to be in the game, but won’t be. Nicholas Castellanos is that man.
Nick Castellanos
This is one of the biggest All-Star snubs in recent memory. Castellanos is easily the best player on the Tigers. Now, I mean no disrespect to Joe Jimenez, Detroit’s lone representative in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. The Detroit reliever has had a good season, posting a 2.79 ERA in 42 innings. However, he hasn’t had an All-Star level year.
In terms of Castellanos, I understand that the outfield is a crowded position to choose from. There are many fantastic outfielders worthy of All-Star consideration in the American League. However, what does the term “All-Star” mean to you? To me, it means the best of the best—the greatest of the game gathered into one arena to showcase their talents to the world. Castellanos is such a player. He, not Joe Jimenez, is the best player on the Tigers—and it’s not even close.
First, let’s take a look at Joe Jimenez’s statistics compared to other AL relievers this season. His rankings on rate statistics are with a minimum 30 innings pitched. Keep in mind, there have been 77 AL relievers to throw at least 30 innings in 2018. All statistics are entering play on Sunday.
Joe Jimenez
2018 Statistics with American League Ranks—Among Relievers
ERA – 2.79 – 21st
WHIP – 1.12 – 24th
K/9 – 10.1 – 31st
Opp. OPS – .613 – 20th
These are good first half statistics representative of a solid major league season. Jimenez should be proud of himself and his work out of the ‘pen for the Tigers.
But, they aren’t statistics worthy of the All-Star Game.
For example, Dellin Betances leads all AL relievers with a 15.7 K/9 average. Is he an All-Star?
No, he’s not.
How about Collin McHugh? He leads AL relievers with a 0.72 WHIP. Is he an All-Star?
No, he’s not.
Let’s take a look at Castellanos and how he compares to AL outfielders this season. Keep in mind, there are 32 AL outfielders qualified for the batting title this season. Again, all statistics are entering play on Sunday.
Nicholas Castellanos
2018 Statistics with American League Ranks—Among Outfielders
AVG – .308 – 4th
OPS – .886 – 7th
XBH – 47 – 3rd
RBI – 56 – 8th
Castellanos has a higher batting average than All-Star outfielders Michael Brantley (.308—by percentage points), Shin-Soo Choo (.290) and Aaron Judge (.277).
He even has more extra-base hits than Mike Trout (46)—the game’s greatest player!
It just doesn’t make sense to me why the best player on the Tigers isn’t representing his club at the 2018 All-Star Game. He deserves a chance in the spotlight.
