Blue Jays' Donaldson, Encarnacion, Estrada named to AL All-Star team
TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays have three players headed to the All-Star game, with the opportunity for one more to join them. Perhaps even two more, depending on what happens over the next week.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson, designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion, and starting pitcher Marco Estrada were selected as reserves Tuesday, prior to an 8-3 win over the Kansas City Royals, for the American League team that will take the field Tuesday, July 12 at Petco Park in San Diego.
Donaldson, the reigning AL MVP and last year’s leading vote getter, has once again proven his worth as one of the best players in baseball. Pick an offensive stat – runs (77), RBI (60), home runs (22), on-base percentage (.415), slugging percentage (.602) – and you’ll find Donaldson in the top-10. He’s also one of the top defensive players at third base so it's no surprise he's now a deserving three-time All-Star.
"I'm happy I made the All-Star team. It's nice. I'm happy to be a part of the whole scene that's there and it's rewarding," said Donaldson.
A recent hot surge from Encarnacion made his inclusion a no-brainer. His 22 home runs are tied for third in the AL, 12 of which have come over the last 30 games, and like Donaldson it’s the third time the 33-year-old has received an All-Star nod. Donaldson and Encarnacion both made it clear they weren't interested in participating in the home run derby.
Estrada’s rise from bullpen afterthought to frontline starter has been crucial to Toronto’s success and he's been rewarded with his first All-Star appearance. The 33-year-old right-hander’s 2.93 ERA is tied for third in the AL and he’s a big reason why the Blue Jays starters have pitched more innings than any other rotation in the majors.
“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. I didn’t know what was going to happen after the 2014 season,” said Estrada. “You always want to be part of an All-Star team, I just wasn’t sure if I was ever going to get there. To finally get that opportunity to be an All-Star, it means the world to me.”
However, Estrada is dealing with a back injury that could force him out of his next start. If Estrada isn’t healthy enough to pitch, J.A. Happ and Aaron Sanchez would be prime candidates to get the call in his place. It stands to reason they would also be considered to replace the pitchers who start Sunday and are therefore automatically removed from the active All-Star roster.
“We talked about every scenario and [not pitching in the game] was one of them. It’s obviously something I don’t want to give up on, I want to be able to pitch,” said Estrada. “It’s my first time and it could be my only time but also the team has to come first. We’re going to give it a few days.”
The other Blue Jays player in consideration will need help from the fans to get in. Outfielder Michael Saunders is one of the five Final Vote options, competing with George Springer, Ian Kinsler, Evan Longoria, and Dustin Pedroia for the last spot on the AL roster.
After missing all but nine games of the 2015 season with a knee injury, Saunders has bounced back in a big way and ranks third among AL outfielders in OPS. Voting begins Tuesday night with the winners from both leagues being announced on Friday afternoon.
“I’m not in the All-Star game right now but it’s still a honour to be part of the final five vote,” said Saunders. “I know that the Blue Jays will get behind me and show support and I hope to get the support of the rest of Canada.”
Check out Big League Stew for the rest of the All-Star rosters.
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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr
