Which Texas Rangers Should Be in the All-Star Game?

Jun 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) reacts to a hit during the fifth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Texas Rangers won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

With the latest results for the 2015 All-Star Game being released yesterday, it is becoming more and more likely that we will not see a starter from the Texas Rangers (but keep voting!). Prince Fielder trails for First Base by nearly 9 million votes behind Miguel Cabrera. Adrian Beltre is in fifth for Third Base, trailing the leader Josh Donaldson by over 10 million votes.

The rest of the roster will be selected by the managers and it is at that point that the Rangers should get some recognition. With the rule that at least one player from each team must be selected, it is guaranteed that at least one player from the Rangers will make the team. The obvious answer for most fans would be Fielder to be selected as a reserve for designated hitter or first base. Fielder would face stiff competition from either position as first base competition would include Cabrera, Eric Hosmer, Justin Smoak, and Albert Pujoles. To be selected for reserve to Designated Hitter, Fielder would be in competition with whoever loses the Nelson Cruz/Kendrys Morales battle for starter, Edwin Encarnacion, and Victor Martinez.

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With the success of Fielder, there are several players for the Rangers that are being forgotten as potential reserve players for the American League. The injury that held Beltre out for some time will likely keep him out of the running for third base. There are also several players who have had great years for the team but due to a variety of factors. These names include Delino DeShields Jr., Shawn Tolleson, and Rougned Odor. Let’s take a look at the most likely candidates, other than Fielder, who we could be seeing represent the Texas Rangers at the Great American Ball Park on Tuesday, July 14.

Next: Moreland

Jun 29, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch  Moreland (18) hits a home run in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

1. Mitch Moreland

Moreland has become one of the most important players on the team this season. Not only has he played solid defense at first base to allow Fielder to DH, he has what could be a breakout season. He is hitting .301/.348/.536 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI making him on pace to set personal records for both of those categories.

A key factor to the success for Moreland has been his ability to hit left-handed pitching this season. When Beltre went down with an injury and the lineup was heavy with left-handed hitters, the team did not have to worry about Moreland as he has hit .277/.333/.415 in 72 plate appearances against lefties this year.

Moreland would deal with a similar problem to Fielder as the first base position is a strong group in the American League. In the eyes of the manager, Moreland might even have to top Fielder to be considered as they would likely narrow it down to either one of these two rather than bringing both of them in.

Next: Gallardo

Jun 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yovani  Gallardo (49) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

2. Yovani Gallardo

On the heels of one of the most dominant months for a starting pitcher, Gallardo has started to catch fire and could force his way into consideration. Gallardo is sixth in the American League with a 2.72 ERA in his 16 starts. He has held batters to a .229 average, 12th in the AL, and has struck out 70 in 96 innings.

Gallardo’s 2.27 ERA is his lowest in his career other than 2008 when he pitched in just 24 innings. While most expected a significant drop for Gallardo as he moved from the National League to the American League but he has done the opposite.

With his success leading this staff that is missing to injury nearly an entire rotation that could be top 15 in the league (

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), Gallardo has led the group by example. The selections for reserve should acknowledge the great success he has had even though they may focus on adding a hitter from this team

Next: Lewis

Jun 25, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Colby  Lewis (48) pitches in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

3. Colby Lewis

This is a name that I know most will be surprised to see as a potential consideration. When you check out the current WAR leaders at FanGraphs, Lewis is actually second for the Rangers, helped largely by his ability to get into the win column. Lewis has a 1.8 WAR so far this season, just 0.1 behind Prince Fielder, 0.1 ahead of Gallardo, and 0.3 ahead of Moreland.

Lewis has a 7-3 record despite his 4.10 ERA in 94.1 innings across 15 starts. Lewis is in his 10th season in the majors and has an even 61-61 record with a career 4.77 ERA in 988.1 innings. His 4.10 ERA this season is below his career average but his .700 winnings percentage is his highest of his career with the closes being in 2011 when he had a 14-10 record (.583 winning %).

Lewis is less likely to make the team as a reserve than Gallardo as he has had some games in which he wasn’t been successful, but he has played a key part for the team. At nearly 36-years-old, Lewis has had great starts like his eight inning, one run performance in a win over the Chicago White Sox but may not have strung together enough dominant starts to get a spot.

Next: Martinez