What injuries will impact 2021 MLB All Star Game rosters?

After not having an All-Star game last season due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the mid-summer’s classic will be back next month at Coors Fields. The MLB All-Star game is one of the best in the four majors sports, where the best players from the diamond meet up to showcase their talents.

It should be fun to see all of the best players in the league on the same field for one night to wrap-up the All-Star festivities. However, we may miss a couple of players, who would likely be in the ASG but won’t be due to injuries.

Two players who initially come to mind is Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. Both players were off to hot starts at the plate for their respective teams and were probably shoe-ins for the All-Star Game, if they continued on their paces.

Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

Trout has been out since May 17 with a strained calf, but has not started baseball activities. The eight-time All-Star told reporters on Tuesday that he does not have a timetable for his return, but he’s happy with his progress. Before going down with the leg injury, Trout was hitting .333/.466/.624 with 8 HRs and 18 RBI.

Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins

As for Buxton, he has been out since early May with a hip injury. The 27-year-old looked like he was finally putting everything together this season for the Twins before getting hurt. He said to reporters that he is feels 100% healthy, however, he will do more rehab at-bats down in the minors. Buxton was slashing .370/.408/.772 with 9 HRs and 17 RBI this season. With both of those guys out until possibly after the All-Star break, it frees up two spots for two outfielders in the AL.

John Means, Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles ace pitcher John Means is another player to keep an eye on as we get closer to the All-Star Game. Means is one of the many pitchers who have thrown a no-hitter this season, but was just placed on the 10-day IL with shoulder soreness. He has dealt with shoulder issues before over his career, including last season where he missed his Opening Day start.

Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies

In the National League, it appears as if Rockies star shortstop Trevor Story will be in action after a stint on the IL with right elbow tightness. Story is expected to return to the field on Thursday if all goes well.

Evan Longoria, San Francisco Giants

However, Giants third baseman Evan Longoria will be out for the next 4-6 weeks with a shoulder strain. The veteran infielder was having a bounce back year with the Giants and looked to be a candidate to make the All-Star team. Longoria was slugging .280 with 9 HRs and 28 RBI in 50 games.