Not many people gave the Texas Rangers much of a chance of competing going into this season, but here they are right in the middle of the playoff race. These five players, all of whom have contributed to the turnaround in Arlington, deserve consideration for inclusion in the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.
5. RHP Yovani Gallardo
Getty Images6-6, 3.16 ERA, 63 strikeouts
Gallardo has regained his ace form from his time with the Brewers that he seemed to lose last season. He has been a steady force the Rangers have needed this year. Every time out there, Texas knows they're going to have a chance to win.
6-6, 3.16 ERA, 63 strikeouts
Gallardo has regained his ace form from his time with the Brewers that he seemed to lose last season. He has been a steady force the Rangers have needed this year. Every time out there, Texas knows they're going to have a chance to win.
4. RHP Shawn Tolleson
Getty Images
1-1, 2.67 ERA, 9-for-9 save opportunities
Tolleson isn't your traditional shutdown closer, but when he's been called upon this season, he's been great for Texas. He deserves to be recognized as an underrated back-end bullpen arm that doesn't usually get much love.
1-1, 2.67 ERA, 9-for-9 save opportunities
Tolleson isn't your traditional shutdown closer, but when he's been called upon this season, he's been great for Texas. He deserves to be recognized as an underrated back-end bullpen arm that doesn't usually get much love.
3. 1B/DH Mitch Moreland
Getty Images.307 average, 8 HRs, 31 RBIs, 13 doubles
Moreland seemed like he was destined just to be a replacement level player in his career until he broke out this season. He's bashing in the middle of the order and providing the Rangers an extra bat they didn't anticipate majorly contributing this season. That should put him in consideration for All-Star inclusion.
.307 average, 8 HRs, 31 RBIs, 13 doubles
Moreland seemed like he was destined just to be a replacement level player in his career until he broke out this season. He's bashing in the middle of the order and providing the Rangers an extra bat they didn't anticipate majorly contributing this season. That should put him in consideration for All-Star inclusion.
2. RHP Nick Martinez
Getty Images5-2, 2.76 ERA, 48 strikeouts
Martinez has been a borderline ace for Texas this season and that's exactly what they've needed. He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he gets by with great command and control. While power pitchers are flashy, finesse pitchers like Martinez deserve equal recognition.
5-2, 2.76 ERA, 48 strikeouts
Martinez has been a borderline ace for Texas this season and that's exactly what they've needed. He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he gets by with great command and control. While power pitchers are flashy, finesse pitchers like Martinez deserve equal recognition.
1. 1B/DH Prince Fielder
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports.341 average, 10 HRs, 45 RBIs, 13 doubles
After missing most of last season, Prince Fielder is back with a vengeance this season. If he gets his power numbers up a little bit, he should be considered for the AL MVP award, not just the All-Star Game. With the numbers he has put up this season, he deserves to be starting in the Midsummer Classic.
.341 average, 10 HRs, 45 RBIs, 13 doubles
After missing most of last season, Prince Fielder is back with a vengeance this season. If he gets his power numbers up a little bit, he should be considered for the AL MVP award, not just the All-Star Game. With the numbers he has put up this season, he deserves to be starting in the Midsummer Classic.
