Springer hitting himself into All-Star Game conversation

By foxsports
Published

George Springer's recent offensive tear paints a solid picture for him as a deserving AL All-Star this season.

A profile from the Houston Chronicle's Evan Drellich on Springer's potent last few weeks makes a strong case for his inclusion into the All-Star Week festivities next month alongside his Houston Astros teammates Jose Altuve and Dallas Keuchel. 

On Sunday, Springer extended his hitting streak to 14 with a booming home run against the Seattle Mariners. After a slow start with the bat this season, he's suddenly turned a sub-.200 batting average into a .284/.378/.490 slash line with a 2.5 WAR (good for one of the best such marks in the AL), not to mention his penchant for highlight-reel worthy catches on a daily basis. 

His manager, A.J. Hinch, who will be on the AL coaching staff at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park, is in favor of Springer making it as a reserve. As he told Drellich, "He’s definitely All-Star worthy consideration (sic). The rest of the league, there’s some talented guys out there but he should absolutely be in the conversation.”

Springer, though, went for the customary answer when asked if he's paid any mind to his All-Star candidacy: “No. I’m just out here trying to help us win. We’re on a good streak right now. Just trying to help us win.”

Whether he'll admit it or not, Springer may have played himself into the mix, and it wouldn't be surprising if he's selected as an AL reserve in a few weeks.

(h/t Houston Chronicle, Baseball Reference)