The 2017 MLB All-Star game was played on July 11, and the Tampa Bay Rays had two of their own elected to the game. Though neither player had an impact on the American League’s 2-1 win in 10 innings, it shows the improvement the Rays have made this season.
Pitcher Chris Archer was elected to the All-Star game, but did not play. It was unlikely he would, as he pitched the Sunday before the event, something which usually stops a pitcher from making an appearance in the game. A deserving All-Star, Archer is having a bounce back season from his disastrous 2016 campaign, going 7-5 with a 3.95 ERA before the All-Star break. While his ERA is still much higher than his 2015 performance, it is a good sign seeing Archer work his way back to his Ace form.
Designated hitter Corey Dickerson is the other All-Star, and the first Ray to start in an All-Star game since 2010. At 28, Dickerson is having a career year, hitting .312 with 17 home runs and 42 RBI, returning to the form he had in 2014 with the Colorado Rockies, before he broke his ribs in 2015. Dickerson was traded to the Rays in January of 2016 for reliever Jake McGee.
Before the game, Dickerson discussed what it is like to be recognized as an All-Star.
“I’m very glad I’m an All-Star, but every day that I don’t succeed, I feel like I could have done better that day,” Dickerson told TBO.com. “My expectations are very, very high. Making the All-Star team wasn’t my goal. It was trying to be the best player for this team and try to make the playoffs. And I knew if I prepared the right way and played to the capability I have, then the rewards like becoming an All-Star would fall in place.”
While being an All-Star signified how well Dickerson has played for the Rays, the only recognition he wants is being noticed for his batting.
“I’ve been kind of a fly-under-the-radar guy,” Dickerson told TBO.com. “I don’t really care for the attention, but I care more about the respect of being a great hitter. It’s kind of like an art to me. I try to be the best, try to be one of the best at it. That’s just the competitor aspiring in me to be that. It’s not any disrespect to anybody else. It’s just why else play the game?”
Batting seventh for the American League, Dickerson’s start is the recognition the Rays deserve, with the team performing well above expectations so far this season, currently in third place in the AL East, three and a half games behind the Boston Red Sox, and also the second wild card team.
Other players on the Rays deserved recognition as well, including first baseman Logan Morrison, whose 24 home runs ranks seventh in the whole league and closer Alex Colome, who leads the AL in saves at 25.
These snubs have not gone unnoticed, as Morrison sounded off during a radio interview about his non-involvement in the home run derby, sparking criticism from some in the league.
Although Dickerson hit 0 for 2 in the All-Star game, he will look to continue his regular season success for the Rays as they make their push to the playoffs.