The 2024 MLB All-Star Game starters were announced last week, and there were zero Los Angeles Angels players in the mix. However, every team gets at least one player selected into the game, and for Angels manager Ron Washington, there is no doubt on who that should be: starting pitcher Tyler Anderson.
If there was any doubt prior to Saturday’s outing against the Chicago Cubs, that should be gone now. Anderson’s gem in a shutout victory against the Cubs solidified him as the Angels’ best player so far this season. He tossed eight scoreless innings, giving up only three hits with 10 strikeouts. The three hits were all singles and no player ever reached scoring position against Anderson.
Washington stated the obvious after the Angels 7-0 win and Anderson’s dominance on the mound, via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“He’s our All-Star,” Washington said. “Our other All-Star, [Luis Rengifo], is hurt right now. But he’s been the guy doing a good job for us on the mound consistently. Even in games where he hasn’t been very good, he’s kept us in them.”
Anderson’s season numbers are perhaps the best of his career. In 112 innings over 18 starts, he holds a 2.81 ERA, 1.179 WHIP and 151 ERA+. His only arguably better season was his 2022 campaign with the L.A. Dodgers, for which he was named an All-Star.
He has given up more than three earned runs in only three of his 18 starts. He has completed seven or more innings seven times and is one of two Angels starters (Griffin Canning) to still be in the rotation from Opening Day. At this rate, it would be hard to argue for anyone else to be named to the All-Star Game on the Angels behalf.
And while all 30 teams get a representative, Anderson’s selection won’t be just because the Angels need a player in the game. He has undoubtedly earned a spot regardless of what the selection rules are.
Ron Washington calls Luis Rengifo the other All-Star
Washington also praised Luis Rengifo as the other Angels player that should make the All-Star Game, but admitted it is less likely due to the injury that has placed him on the 10-day injured list.
Rengifo suffered a right wrist injury earlier this week and is figured to be out until after the All-Star break. Keston Hiura has taken his place on the roster as the utility infielder in the meantime.
