MLB All-Star Game: 5 biggest snubs after complete rosters released

Austin Riley has brought the lumber more often than not for the Atlanta Braves

Even though the Atlanta Braves are well-represented in this year’s Midsummer Classic with five players playing for manager Brian Snitker (Ronald Acuña Jr., William Contreras, Travis d’Arnaud, Max Fried, Dansby Swanson), third baseman Austin Riley has certainly made a compelling case for himself at the hot corner. He has brought the power to Braves Country at an unbelievable level.

Prior to Sunday’s walk-off win over the division rival Washington Nationals, Riley was second in the National League in total bases behind only St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and third in home runs behind only Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. Riley could get the nod from Snitker, but third base is loaded.

Playing the same position as Nolan Arenado and Manny Machado is why Riley is staying home.

Carlos Rodon has pitched well enough to join Joc Pederson at the All-Star Game

While a recent swoon has hurt the San Francisco Giants considerably, it comes as quite a shock that outfielder Joc Pederson is the only member on their team that is going to Los Angeles. Pederson is well acquainted with the city from his days wearing Dodger blue. Although Carlos Rodon has an outside shot to be a starting pitcher replacement, he looks to have been snubbed.

Rodon is seventh in baseball when it comes to WAR for pitchers at 3.3. He is also top 10 in baseball when it comes to hits per nine innings and strikeouts per nine innings as well. One would think a 2.70 ERA and an 8-5 record on the season would be good enough to get him to the All-Star Game. Unfortunately, Rodon looks to be on the outside looking in at his first nod for the NL team.

If you want to know how impactful Rodon is, look at how his former team is playing these days…