The All-Star Game is very funny in 2025. Why does every team get a “representative”? I speak from a point of privilege as a Dodgers’ fan, but still…is this not asinine for a “competitive” sport? Should teams be incentivized to have the best players who can not only be All-Stars, but also help them toward a World Series title? Why is there a–excuse my language–participation trophy for the worst teams? This seems counterintuitive in any logical worldview of the sport. Everyone sees through it when a player or two who is solid, yet unspectacular, is named as an All-Star. Unfortunately, it will persist as this sad showcase for a polar bear in Arlington, Texas (or in this case, Atlanta, Georgia).
Also, why is Jacob Misioroski in when the Brewers have a representative already? He has made FIVE starts. Yes, he is electric, but do you know who has a lower ERA and great peripheral stats through 18 starts (107.2 IP)? Cristopher Sanchez. Justice for Mr. Sanchez. He has pitched his behind off this season and deserves that spot over more than just The Mis (I would include his teammate Ranger Sanchez as well for the “deserving”, but he opted to rest).
Anyway, if there were any injuries missed, feel free to yell at me in the comments or on Twitter/X @RotoSurgeon.
Injuries to Monitor
Brandon Lowe (2B, TB) Oblique
The Rays have placed Brandon Lowe on the Injured List due to an oblique injury he suffered on Sunday. Lowe missed the last four games but was not on IL as the Rays hoped the tightness would dissipate. Luckily, the injury was not described as a strain, and there is hope that Lowe can return shortly after the All-Star break. The hard-hitting 2B is having a fantastic bounce-back season and should be held on teams unless he struggles for weeks upon return.
Hunter Greene (SP, CIN) Groin
Hunter Greene’s timeline to return is getting murkier. The star SP is struggling to recover from a second groin strain this season and just had this rehab start in Triple-A cancelled. Greene is heading to Arizona for further rehab. This will likely delay his potential return to August at the earliest, but that seems far from a guarantee at this point as the season winds down.
Cincinnati is not far from a playoff spot, yet they may not be making much of a push either. If they skid going forward, shutting down Greene until the offseason is possible, and that risk compounds as the weeks without him add up. There is nothing managers can do but wait and pray.
Teoscar Hernandez (OF, LAD) Foot
The Dodgers were without Teoscar Hernandez to start this week due to a minor foot injury, but he is back in the lineup for Friday evening’s matchup against the Giants. He reportedly did not suffer any significant damage after fouling a ball off his foot, just a regular boo-boo.
Unfortunately, Hernandez has not been himself since returning from the IL on May 19, as he is hitting just .207 with five HR in the 162 plate appearances in this span. Hopefully, the All-Star break allows him to rest and return to the 157 wRC+ form to start the season.
Blake Snell (SP, LAD) Shoulder
Blake Snell returned to the mound on Thursday in A-ball. He finished the outing with four strikeouts, zero walks, and one hit allowed through two innings. The Dodgers’ biggest offseason acquisition has made just two big-league starts this year.
Snell will continue building his innings in the minors throughout July. We can expect him back in early August if his ramp-up period is smooth.
Alex Bregman (3B, BOS) Hamstring
Alex Bregman returned to the Red Sox lineup on Friday after a six-week absence due to a hamstring strain. The veteran 3B was having a stellar season before this injury with 11 HR and a .402 wOBA through 51 games. The Red Sox look different since his last game on May 23.
They traded away Rafael Devers and called up their top prospects, Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. With Trevor Story hitting well since late-May, this offense could be even better than when Bregman left them. Hopefully, his hamstring injury does not impact him moving forward.
Kodai Senga (SP, NYM) Hamstring
Kodai Senga returned to the mound on Friday after missing the past month with a hamstring injury. Senga pitched four clean innings with four strikeouts, four hits, and two walks. He is now down to an immaculate 1.39 ERA on the season. However, he should be sold high due to his unfavorable peripheral stats.
Senga has a 4.00 xFIP and 4.10 SIERA through 14 starts and can only rely on generating soft contact for so long. Also, it is unlikely that this time off helped his case. If you banked this incredible start to the season, you can benefit more by moving him!
