MLB All-Star Game starters 2023: 3 biggest snubs from starting lineups

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 22: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 22, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 5-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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MLB All-Star Game starters snubs, Adolis Garcia

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 24: Adolis Garcia #53 of the Texas Rangers in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 24, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Rangers 1-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2. Adolis Garcia, OF, Texas Rangers (Starter: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees)

When Aaron Judge was on the field for the Yankees this season, he was as good as anyone in baseball at the dish. In just 49 games, he still amassed 19 home runs, 10 doubles, and 40 RBI on the season with a slash line of .291/.404/.674. Make no mistake, he’s been every bit the stud that New York paid him to be this offseason off of his 62-homer campaign a year ago.

But the reality of the situation is that he’s played only those 49 games this season, missing time at the end of April and being out since suffering an injury against the Dodgers on June 3. Because of that, it’s hard not to feel that Adolis Garcia, one of the stars of a better Rangers team than what the Yankees have been in the 2023 season, is a bit more deserving of the starter nod from the get-go.

After making the MLB All-Star Game in 2021 as a rookie, Garcia was looking to get back with the help of another big year that has seen the dynamic outfielder hit 20 home runs and 16 doubles while driving in 66 RBI on the year. For good measure, he’s also stolen six bases while being a plus defender and posting an .850 OPS on the year.

In all likelihood, Garcia is a great candidate to ultimately replace Judge, who remains on the IL for the Yankees and, even if he returns by the break, will surely be held out by the Yankees in order to protect his long-term health this season. Even still, given the lack of time on the field for Judge, the Rangers outfielder surely deserved to get the nod.

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