Texas Rangers say this specific teammate deserved to be on this year’s all-star team
The Texas Rangers have four players taking part in this year’s MLB All-Star festivities taking place in their home ball park of Globe Life Field in Arlington.
Those who made this year’s All-Star roster all said third baseman Josh Smith deserved a spot.
Smith has led the team in batting average and slugging percentage through the first half of the 2024 season.
His 10 home runs, 40 RBIs and 5 stolen bases in 2024 roughly doubled his career totals heading into this season.
His two run home run in Sunday’s 4-2 win over the Houston Astros was a perfect example of what he’s meant to this year’s team, said Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien.
“He’s hitting the fastball great at a time when velocity is crazy,” Semien said, adding that Smith also excels as a defender and a base runner.
“I wish he could be here, but if he continues to do what he’s doing he’s gonna be an All Star for sure,” he said.
Smith stepped into the third base role after Rangers’ All-star Josh Jung shattered his wrist after being hit by a pitch in April.
His ability to step into that role and excel has been huge for this year’s team, said shortstop Corey Seager.
“He’s a guy who deserves to be here,” Seager said.
Smith’s skill allows him to play multiple positions on the field, and be plugged in anywhere in the batting order, said closer Kirby Yates.
“I think that’s one of the unique players in the big leagues that’s capable of doing that,” Yates said.
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