The MLB All-Star Game is just around the corner, and Alex Rodriguez, the New York Yankees' designated hitter who is performing well this season, is unhappy after getting snubbed for the game.
"I'm obviously disappointed. It would have been fun to go out and represent the American League, that's for sure," Rodriguez said before a game against Oakland Tuesday.
But the 14-time All-Star player decided to view his non-selection as a break for him this season.
Rodriguez, 39, also spoke about the Texas Rangers' Prince Fielder, who was voted by players, managers and coaches as the reserve designated hitter for the American League, a position he wanted.
"You can't go wrong with Prince. He's had a phenomenal year and he's also a big comeback story, so I'm happy for Prince," Rodriguez said, according to ESPN.
Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost explained to ESPN the reason behind Rodriguez's non-selection.
"We talked about A-Rod a lot. You look back at this five-man vote, and we have three infielders, two outfielders, and we felt that it was important that we don't — we have Brock Holt, who can play anywhere in the infield, but for any other position we have a starter and a backup. In the outfield, we have three starters and three backups," Yost said.
"So I just felt very strongly that if we could get another infielder or another outfielder out of that five-man vote it would help us. That's what went in that decision," he added.
But the numbers Rodriguez put up this season are notable. He has been hitting .284 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs. Nevertheless, the player explained that he wanted to be part of the team and was not even gunning for the All-Star Game. "I knew I was a long shot. I gave myself a long-shot hope," Rodriguez said.
He added that during his time as a short stop or third baseman, there were various ways to be an All-Star, but now it was harder since he was a designated hitter.
