The Cleveland Indians are truly limping to the All-Star break this year.
Injuries just can’t stop piling up and the starting rotation is a shell of its former self, featuring rookies just trying to get stretched out.
But there is still a positive storyline regarding the Indians and the 2021 All-Star Game.
The Indians are sending two players, and one manager, to the Midsummer Classic.
Terry Francona will also serve on Kevin Cash's coaching staff for the American League All-Star team.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) July 5, 2021
This is great for Shane Bieber, Jose Ramirez, and Terry Francona, even given the circumstances of the season.
The Ace Receives His Honor
Bieber has not pitched since June 13, but did enough to earn his second career All-Star Game appearance.
If not for his injury, he may be starting in the game.
Bieber won the game’s MVP Award back in 2019 when it was held at Progressive Field.
This time around, he will not be throwing a pitch.
The crazy thing is that Bieber just recently lost his league-lead in the strikeout category.
His mark of 130 held for weeks after his injury, showing just how dominant he was to start the year.
Bieber owns a 12.9 K/9 with a 3.28 ERA in 14 starts this season.
If he returns healthy in a few weeks, it is possible he can look to regain the strikeout crown.
The Expected Reserve
You know, bro.
José is an All-Star for the 3rd time in his career. ⭐️#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/rFQogbpEW7
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 4, 2021
Ramirez remains a perennial MVP candidate, even though Shohei Ohtani seems like a lock to take home the award in 2021.
Unfortunately, he too is banged up as the break approaches.
He is back in the lineup Monday night, but is dealing with several ailments.
Ramirez’s WAR total is nearing 3.0 on the year and he entered Monday with 18 home runs and 50 RBI on the year.
He is the true star in the lineup and an injury to the third baseman could be what ultimately dooms the Indians in 2021.
So hopefully, his minor ailments clear up fast.
This marks his third All-Star Game appearance and his first since 2018.
He would have been a lock for last year’s game if one was held.
The Manager Receives Recognition
Francona is also heading to Denver, likely thanks to his relationship with Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash.
Cash served on Francona’s staff from 2013-2014.
Bringing Francona along to any All-Star Game is a great choice for any manager.
He is one of the best managers in this era and brings a ton of experience to any dugout, regardless of if the game means something or is an exhibition.
Francona is facing his toughest test yet in Cleveland and still has the team over the .500 mark before the break.
That could change, but what he has done so far remains a minor miracle given the roster this year.
The Indians are sending their two stars and their legendary manager to Denver.
While some other players had strong cases, getting more than one All-Star is always good news.
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