Last night, the All-Star Game rosters were revealed. The Baltimore Orioles had three players on the American League roster, those being right-hander Corbin Burnes, catcher Adley Rutschman, and shortstop Gunnar Henderson. However, there was one notable player missing from the American League's roster.
Veteran closer Craig Kimbrel has put together a solid season. In 38 appearances, the 36-year-old owns a record of 5-2 and has posted an ERA of 2.10 while converting 23 of his 27 save opportunities. However, he was snubbed and left off the All-Star roster.
Meanwhile, New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes was added to the roster, and while his stats are certainly impressive, they aren't exactly on the same level as Kimbrel's this year. The 31-year-old is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 37 appearances and has saved 19 games.
On Twitter, Orioles broadcaster and Hall of Famer Jim Palmer discussed Kimbrel being snubbed and called out Major League Baseball for allowing this to happen, even going as far as to say the league has a bias towards New York.
Orioles legend calls out MLB over Craig Kimbrel snub
Palmer certainly was not happy to see Kimbrel get snubbed while Holmes was given the opportunity to be an All-Star. Kimbrel's 23 saves are second in the American League behind Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians, and fourth in all of baseball.
In addition, Kimbrel has allowed just one run in his last 21 appearances, so it's clear that there was indeed a snub, which will be frustrating for Orioles fans who have watched Kimbrel dominate this season.
Palmer made it clear that he has no animosity towards Holmes and that the Yankees closer deserved to be an All-Star, but that Kimbrel deserved it just a little bit more.
There is always a chance that a roster spot could open up, allowing Kimbrel a chance to be an All-Star. But for now, Orioles fans will be a little frustrated knowing that Holmes was chosen over him.
We'll see if Kimbrel gets his shot or if he'll remain off the roster.