PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Walker is a two-time Gold Glove winner, helped lead his workforce to the World Collection final season, has hit a minimum of 33 house runs every of the previous two years and is at present on tempo for about 40 homers. this season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman can be the present Daddy of Dodger Stadium.
However the 33-year-old slugger nonetheless wasn't chosen to the All-Star workforce. That development continued Sunday when Main League Baseball introduced the NL and AL groups for the July 16 sport in Arlington, Texas.
“It stings a bit of bit, however it’s what it’s,” Walker advised reporters after Sunday's win over the Padres. “These guys deserve it. Nothing however credit score to them.”
He later added: “To be sincere, I've had the help and respect of my teammates and my friends and my coaches and nothing else actually issues.
Walker — who’s hitting .268 with 22 homers and 64 RBIs this season — is much from the one All-Star this season, however he’s among the many finest present gamers to by no means make it. Different notable omissions from this yr's group embody Baltimore's Ryan Mountcastle, Jordan Westburg and Anthony Santander, Philadelphia's Aaron Nola, San Diego's Manny Machado and New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil.
A number of of these gamers — Walker included — might nonetheless discover their strategy to Arlington for the midsummer showdown.
A handful of present All-Stars, akin to Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr., are more likely to miss the sport as a result of damage. Which means MLB will choose replacements within the coming days.
Followers react to Christian Walker's omission from 2024 MLB All-Star Recreation preliminary rosters
Christian Walker fell sufferer to the “each workforce should have an All-Star” rule. He's having a a lot better season than Pete Alonso, who’s the Mets' solely consultant.
— Vince Marotta (@Vincemarotta) July 7, 2024
I'm instantly upset right here that Pete Alonso was named an All-Star.
Christian Walker has clearly been higher than Alonso this yr, and each Lindor and Nimmo deserve extra for the Mets. I really like Pete however come on man. pic.twitter.com/JRAALq69of
— Ryan Finkelstein (@FinkelsteinRyan) July 7, 2024
As Pete Alonso nods to Christian Walker. This can be a joke. pic.twitter.com/6RDaG2eVgR
— Lefthndmn (@lefthndmn) July 8, 2024
I additionally love Pete Alonso, however Christian Walker has been considerably higher than him thus far this yr.
Possibly it's as a result of Pete would solely make the house runs if he was an all star and Walker didn't wish to?
If that’s the case, the perfect HR will arrive @MLB all people is…
— MLB Areas (@MLBSpaces) July 8, 2024
Hate it, however Luis Arraez over Christian Walker is worse than selecting Pete Alonso. If solely as a result of each workforce wants one decide.
Arraez is a horrible defender and solely hits singles.
— Nolan 🐍 (@NolanDaLambChop) July 7, 2024
Cornballing Pete Alonso being an all star over Christian Walker needs to be a federal crime
— Jordan Fletcher (@J_Fletch08) July 8, 2024
Are you kidding me? How did Pete Alonso make the All Star workforce over Christian Walker? It's not even shut. To not point out Walker is a Gold Glove first baseman. What are we doing? @mlb ? pic.twitter.com/wBpdrFjlsL
— Bryan Rice (@CoachBryanRice) July 8, 2024
