The Royals have six All-Stars despite three of their 2047 selections suffering several injuries in Arturo Oramas, A.J. Terry, and Bobby Nickelberry. Luis Aceves received the most fan votes in the AL to earn his third All-Star selection. Joining Aceves amongst hitters are rookie C Nelson Saiz, and second-time selection Estanislau Covete. On the pitching side, Ben Lane earns his first All-Star selection, as does Joe Mays, while Luis Danys Rhodes earns his 8th.
There are five former Royals selected including a whole outfield of players traded over the summer in Chris Kern, DeMario Zamano and Chad Ketcham. In addition, Juan Minnelli earns his 4th selection while Royals fans are warmed to see Eddie Baquerizo his 4th selection, and first since 2041.
SP Ben Lane (KC) - 8-5, 3.96 ERA, 120.1 IP, 1.02 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 2.4 WAR
RP Joe Mays (KC) - 6-0, 1.55 ERA, 52.1 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 9.6 K/9, 1.4 WAR
RP Luis Danys Rhodes (KC) - 7-5, 14 SV, 2.51 ERA, 64.2 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 1.6 WAR
C Nelson Saiz (KC) - .317/.411/.544, 259 AB, 12 HR, 1 SB, 158 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
1B Luis Aceves (KC)* - .269/.363/.626, 305 AB, 29 HR, 13 SB, 158 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
3B Estanislau Covete (KC)* - .295/.400/.522, 224 AB, 12 HR, 9 SB, 150 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
RP Eddie Baquerizo (LAA) - 1-1, 3.31 ERA, 35.1 IP, 1.02 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 0.7 WAR
LF Chris Kern (CWS) - .278/.389/.525, 263 AB, 17 HR, 1 SB, 146 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
LF DeMario Zamano (CWS) - .303/.352/.568, 347 AB, 21 HR, 5 SB, 145 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
RF Chad Ketcham (CWS) - .337/.411/.515, 264 AB, 10 HR, 155 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
LF Juan Minnelli (SF)* - .313/.388/.612, 361 AB, 22 HR, 5 SB, 166 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
An easy win for the American League, 7-0, with Joe Mays and Luis Danys Rhodes both contributing, a scoreless inning, giving up 0 H, 0 BB, Rhodes just 1 H. Luis Aceves has the most impactful All-Star game from a Royal in recent history, his 1-3 day featuring a 3R HR. Nelson Saiz went 0-1 but took a walk, with Estanislau Covete was 0-2.
There is a definite tale of injuries and underperformance to go with some expected high levels across the Royals. A.J. Terry, Bobby Nickelberry, and Artuto Oramas have all been above average but haven’t been able to stay fit. Meanwhile, Joe Hyatt, Juan Montelongo, Edgar Noriega, Ken Crome and, recently, Jorge Joaquin have all struggled. Luckily rookie Nelson Saiz is having an elite rookie season while Luis Aceves is slugging at even better levels than previously, with 29 HRs already. Estanislau Covete has a 152 wRC+ while Jadon Tezeno has 20 HRs for the season.
Losing Ethan Chafin for the rest of the season heading into the All-Star Break is a tough break but he was the only Royal with a FIP- above 100, struggling with HRs. The Royals will be on the lookout for a pitcher as the trade deadline approaches but must be happy with T.J. Nooks, Ben Lane, and Benton Geldart. Amongst the relievers, all 10 players used have a FIP- below 100 so there is little need for too much change, the only question marks being on the ability of Mike Krebs as a stopper with his 9:7 SD:MD ratio, and the usage of Albert Regalado in high leverage situations with his 5:5 ratio. Luis Danys Rhodes is as elite as always, his 20:7 ratio with 15 saves offering stability to the Royals.