OAKLAND — Brent Rooker was hopeful of constructing a return journey to the All-Star Sport, believing his numbers and general manufacturing have been proper on par with the remainder of the hitters who have been anticipated to make this yr’s Midsummer Basic.
Rooker earned his first profession All-Star choice in 2023 by way of the participant poll, voted in by his friends across the league. This time round, David Fry of the Guardians was the player-elected designated hitter behind AL starter Yordan Alvarez.
“Some disappointment, for positive,” Rooker stated of his response to not being chosen for the All-Star Sport. “On the similar time, there’s a whole lot of guys across the league which can be actually good gamers which can be deserving. There’s at all times going to be folks neglected that in all probability need to be there.
“I’m upset. Nevertheless it doesn’t take away from what I’ve been in a position to do and the enhancements I’ve made to my recreation from final yr. I’m not even utilizing it as motivation. It’s only a factor that occurs. That’s not a giant deal. I’m tremendous excited for Mason to go get that have, and I’m simply seeking to end this primary half robust.”
Rooker has a proper to gripe about what looks like an All-Star snub. Amongst AL main designated hitters, Rooker ranks first in RBIs (54); second in doubles (15), homers (18) and wRC+ (153); and third in OPS (.890).
There may be nonetheless per week of video games left earlier than the All-Star break, which leaves the chance for AL roster spots to open up for alternates or harm replacements. Ought to a possibility come up, the A’s hope to see Rooker be one of many first gamers to get the decision.
“I believe he undoubtedly must be there,” Miller stated of Rooker. “You have a look at the yr he put collectively final yr, and he’s simply taking it to a different stage this yr. The chief he’s for us, too. That’s a man you need to have that honor as nicely, as a result of he’s undoubtedly earned it.”
“There could also be an opportunity that if there’s an alternate or somebody has an harm, that he might get chosen,” added supervisor Mark Kotsay. “It will be deserving. He’s carried us offensively. We’ll maintain our fingers crossed that, if there is a chance, he’s one that’s chosen.”
Whereas he could be thrilled to get a last-minute name to hitch Miller and Kotsay — who’s a part of supervisor Bruce Bochy’s teaching workers on the AL workforce — for All-Star festivities at Globe Life Area in Arlington, Rooker actually is not going to be rooting for an harm, nor will he lose a lot sleep if that decision doesn’t come. His focus lies on serving to this rebuilding A’s squad end off the primary half on a excessive word.
After ending a six-game homestand at 4-2, together with three aggressive video games towards the Orioles, whose 57 wins lead the AL, the A’s will now embark on a six-game street journey by way of Boston and Philadelphia.
“I really feel like we’re enjoying nicely,” Rooker stated. “We swept the primary half of the homestand, and [the Orioles] are probably the greatest groups within the league and we performed them shut. We had an opportunity to win all three video games. I believe that continues to indicate our younger workforce that everyone on this league is basically good, however the margins aren’t that far off. We’re actually shut. Once we play nicely, we will play with anyone within the league, and I believe we proved that to ourselves this week.”