Detroit Tigers: Making Sense of the All-Star Omissions

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Apr 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) receives congratulations from third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) after scoring in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Loaded Position Groups

Nick Castellanos

On one hand, Nick Castellanos is stuck at position loaded with star players. Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson and Adrian Beltre all man the hot corner for fellow American League teams.

On the other hand, the Tigers third baseman is having a breakout season with 15 home runs, 45 RBI and a .302 batting average in 80 games played. The 15 long balls have already tied a career high for the 24-year-old. Castellanos is also steadily improving in the field.

Victor Martinez

Like Castellanos, Victor Martinez is having a superb season.

So far, the designated hitter is batting .318 with a .364 on-base percentage in 80 games. He’s also added 13 doubles, 16 home runs and 50 RBI. Per usual, the veteran has proven to be a difficult batter to strikeout, with just 46 punch out so far.

Also like Castellanos, Martinez plays a position that a number of other standouts play. David Ortiz and Edwin Encarnacion are both having equally excellent seasons. You could make the argument that Martinez should get in over Encarnacion due to the disparity in batting averages between the two players. However, other than that, V-Mart only misses out due the loaded position group.

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