Steve Cockey

Machado voted an All Star starter; Trumbo and Wieters reserves; Britton and Brach on pitching staff

By Steve Cockey

Posted on July 5, 2016

The Orioles will be well-represented in the 2016 Midsummer Classic.

Manny Machado has been voted by the fans as an All Star Game starter for the first time. Machado, who turns 24 on Wednesday, will be making his third appearance overall in the game (he made the team as a reserve in 2013 and 2015).

Two other O’s position players also made the squad as reserves. Mark Trumbo, who leads the American League with 24 home runs entering Tuesday night, was no surprise. He’s making his second appearance overall and first since 2012. Catcher Matt Wieters will also represent the Orioles and back up leading vote-getter Salvador Perez. Wieters had the second-most votes for the position and is tied with Perez for the RBI lead amongst AL backstops with 37.

On the pitching side, it’s not surprising that both Orioles’ selections were relievers. Zach Britton (and his 0.80 ERA and 23 saves) was a lock to be selected. But Brad Brach, while certainly deserving, was a bit of a surprise. Non-closing relievers usually have a tough time getting chosen, but his teammates have been campaigning hard for the valuable right-hander, and they got their wish. Brach’s 1.10 ERA in 44 2/3 innings certainly didn’t hurt his chances, either.

Despite 21 homers that lead all AL first baseman, Chris Davis was not selected as a reserve, nor did he make the ‘Final Vote’ that will determine the last spot on the team. He, along with Chris Tillman and Jonathan Schoop, could be candidates to replace any injured players.