The Los Angeles Dodgers were the first team in the National League to 50 wins this season. They’ve had several winning streaks, won 16 of their past 20 games, have the best record in the NL and second-best overall.
Yet, not one player from the Dodgers roster appeared when All-Star Game starters were announced Sunday. The club did have four players named to the NL roster in Cody Bellinger, Kenley Jansen, Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager. Turner is a Final Vote candidate.
The Dodgers collectively were disappointed by the All-Star snubs of teammates Justin Turner and Alex Wood. Jansen in particular took issue over Seager and Turner not being voted in as starters.
“I’m sorry Dodger fans, but that’s our fault,” Jansen said. “I think we should’ve voted more to get them in. Same thing with Corey Seager.
“JT deserved to be in there. He was an All-Star two years ago, last year, so he deserved to be there. I’ll say it loud and clear again, it’s the Dodger fans’ fault.”
Turner faced stiff competition at third base in fan voting, and still does from others at his position in the Final Vote. Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant and Anthony Rendon of the Washington Nationals are among the five vying for the final spot.
Nonetheless, Turner certainly has a resume more than deserving of an All-Star bid. He’s batting .382/.472/.557 and ranks second in the NL in with a 3.7 WAR (FanGraphs). He’s 10 plate appearances shy of qualifying for the batting title and to lead the league in on-base percentage.
Buster Posey enters Monday batting .339, while Paul Goldschmidt leads the NL with a .437 OBP. Turner’s slugging would rank 10th in the league.
In Seager’s case, he lost to Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart, who statistically has put together a superior season thus far. Of course, that didn’t make much of a difference last year, when Cubs shortstop Addison Russell started ahead of Seager.
“Addison Russell got voted in, and Corey Seager was way better,” Jansen said. “It’s the same thing this year, I feel like.”
Whether fans will heed Jansen’s remarks and takes action remains to be seen. If he misses out via the Final Vote, Turner could qualify as a replacement. Wood figures to be in line for a spot on the NL All-Star roster in lieu of a pitcher who is not eligible to participate.
