Orioles legend blasts MLB for apparent All-Star snub

Hall of Fame starting pitcher and Baltimore Orioles legend Jim Palmer blasted MLB on social media on Monday morning for what he perceived to be an All-Star snub of O's closer Craig Kimbrel.

Palmer works as a color commentator for the Orioles on the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) among other stations.

The former three-time AL Cy Young Award winner's argument for Kimbrel is valid.

The 36-year-old is not only second in the AL in saves (tied for third in MLB) with 23 but has a 5-2 record with a miniscule 2.10 ERA and 0.90 WHIP as well. Kimbrel's allowed just eight earned runs on 17 hits with 52 strikeouts against 14 walks in 34 1/3 innings pitched over 38 outings.

The 2011 NL Rookie of the Year has had a stellar career with nine All-Star honors, but his 2024 numbers are his best in years.

Kimbrel's ERA and WHIP are both his lowest since 2017 and he has a chance of reaching his career high of 50 saves, which he set in 2013.

There were four AL closers chosen over Kimbrel, including Cleveland Guardians stopper Emmanuel Clase, Texas Rangers veteran Kirby Yates and Oakland Athletics flamethrowing sensation Mason Miller. Those three were player-elected picks, however, while New York Yankees righthander Clay Holmes was a choice by the league.

Holmes broke out during his 2022 All-Star season and was stellar in 2023 as well. He was sensational to begin 2024, not allowing an earned run through his first 20 outings until May 20 and still held a 1.23 ERA on June 9.

Holmes has struggled mightily over his last seven outings , however, having been scored upon in five of the appearances (allowing two runs four times), as his ERA has shot up to 3.00. He hasn't recorded a save since June 9, while Kimbrel has racked up nine stops and had just one blown save since then.