Four Houston Astros were selected to the 2021 All-Star Game but none will be competing at Coors Field on Tuesday.
Ryan Pressly and Carlos Correa cited being with their pregnant wives during the break while Brantley and Altuve wanted to take the time to rest nagging injuries they are experiencing.
Some have wondered if this is a boycott of sorts by the Astros players or if they are avoiding the spotlight and being booed by the fans or awkward moments in the locker room with other players.
Yet, the general consensus among the All-Stars in Denver is that they are not bothered one way or the other by the Astros not being there.
Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle asked several players about the Astros’ absence from the All-Star Game.
Aaron Judge, who was trolling Altuve as recently as Saturday, did not think it would have been an awkward situation.
“It’s tough to say. I don’t think so, because this is a time where we celebrate the game,” he said. “If you’re at the All0Star Game in the clubhouse, that’s a tough room to get into, you know? So I don’t think guys would be holding anything over anyone’s head.”
Judge also said it was “smart” that guys are staying back to rest up because they are playing a 162-game season after the COVID-shortened season last year.
Oakland A’s pitcher Chris Bassitt believes it is more of a media story and reminded everyone that the Astros were not the only ones stealing signs.
“I think it’s a bigger media story than player story, honestly,” he said. “It wasn’t just the Astros. So it is what it is. Obviously, I have teammates who played with them. I know how good of people those guys are. They were stuck in a bad situation. So yeah, I think it’s a massive media thing, but from a player standpoint, I think a lot of people are kinda over it.”
Dodgers’ third baseman Justin Turner, who was on the 2017 team that lost to the Astros in the World Series, hinted that he does not always agree with those who decide not to come, but seemed to respect their decision.
“I think it’s an honor to be selected as an All-Star,” Turner said. “I don’t necessarily always agree with the decisions to not come, but everyone has their own reasons for what they do, and I’m just happy to be here.”
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