Phase 1 of voting for the July 14 All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia has begun, and the Orioles’ ballot reflects a season defined by surprise, injuries, and strong individual performances. Baltimore’s designated hitter pick is Samuel Basallo, while Adley Rutschman is listed at catcher, Pete Alonso at first base, Jeremiah Jackson at second base, Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, Coby Mayo at third base, and Dylan Beavers, Leody Taveras, and Taylor Ward in the outfield. The selections highlight how much the Orioles’ roster has shifted from preseason expectations.
Basallo’s inclusion at designated hitter appears justified, given his limited but effective usage there and his recent offensive surge. Rutschman, a two-time All-Star, is also making a strong case after a bounce-back season, even though Basallo has challenged him for time behind the plate. Beavers’ selection is more complicated because he has been sidelined since May 10 with a strained right oblique and has not yet been linked to a rehab assignment. His spot on the ballot comes at the expense of Tyler O’Neill, whose production has been disappointing.
Several other Orioles selections would have been difficult to predict entering the season. Jackson was not expected to emerge at second base, and Mayo was not a likely candidate at third base until spring injuries changed the picture. Taveras also stands out as an unexpected outfield choice. The article notes that Jordan Westburg’s elbow injury opened a path for Mayo, while Jackson Holliday’s broken hamate bone created an opportunity at second base. The Orioles had to submit their names by the end of May, meaning some players’ hot stretches may have come too late to influence the ballot.
The piece also places Baltimore’s All-Star chances in the broader context of the team’s recent history. In playoff seasons, the Orioles sent multiple representatives, but rebuild years usually produce fewer selections. Manager Craig Albernaz said he would welcome as many Orioles as possible, emphasizing the value of recognizing the group’s work. Pitchers are not part of the fan ballot, and Baltimore could be shut out there, though reliever Rico Garcia and starter Kyle Bradish are both mentioned as legitimate candidates if their strong form continues.
Garcia has emerged as one of the league’s most effective relievers, ranking near the top in several key statistical categories, including opponent batting average, on-base percentage, OPS, WHIP, and ERA. Bradish, meanwhile, has steadily lowered his ERA after a strong May and could earn consideration if his recent run holds.
The article also looks beyond Baltimore, noting that Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez appears to be the favorite at designated hitter in the American League, while Rays infielder Yandy Díaz is also expected to draw support. At catcher, Rutschman could contend for a fan vote, and the piece raises the possibility of two catchers from the same team making an All-Star roster, something that has happened before but remains uncommon.
At the end of the discussion, the main question remains whether Baltimore’s mix of veterans, breakout hitters, and unexpected contributors can turn into multiple All-Star selections. The answer will depend on how the players perform over the next several weeks, and whether fan voting, positional depth, and league-wide competition allow the Orioles to send more than one representative to Philadelphia.
