2 Dodgers stars snubbed from starting All-Star game

MLB announced the 2024 All-Star starters and there were two glaring omissions from the Dodgers. Neither Mookie Betts nor Teoscar Hernandez were included in the starting lineup for the NL in this year's All-Star game.

Betts was beat out by Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, while Hernandez was passed over for Padres Jurickson Profar and Fernando Tatis Jr., as well as Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Braves.

It's forgivable that Betts didn't get the starting nod since he was hurt during the final big push for All-Star votes. Even if he'd been voted in as a starter he would have had to miss the contest on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Despite playing in only 72 games in the first half, Betts is still No. 10 in all of baseball in WAR and only behind Elly De La Cruz of the Reds among NL shortstops. Betts also ranks first in weighted runs created plus, batting average and on-base percentage among NL shortstops. He's also second in slugging percentage. Betts has, despite missing the last 13 games, been one of the best shortstops in all of baseball this season and omitting him from the initial All-Star starting lineup is a miss.

The argument for Hernandez is less strong, but he still ranks sixth among NL outfielders in WAR, first in home runs, first in RBIs and fifth in wRC+. He's also come through with multiple game-winning hits for one of the best teams in baseball. The NL's starting outfield trio has been very good, to be sure, but Hernandez has sure looked the part of an All-Star this season and he should be among the team's reserves.

There could be a path to Hernandez getting a starting nod though since Tatis is on the IL because of a stress reaction in his femur. He isn't on track to be available for the Mid-Summer Classic which would open a spot in the starting lineup. That spot should ultimately go to Hernandez given what he's done this season.