In a surprising turn of events, the Baltimore Orioles, currently tied atop the American League standings, find themselves with only three All-Stars representing the team. The discrepancy between the Orioles' success on the field and the number of All-Star selections has left fans, players, and even Orioles pitcher Grayson Rodriguez questioning the selection process.

Last year, the Orioles sent four players to the Midsummer Classic, leading many to believe that they would have at least that number or even more representatives in this year's game. However, despite shortstop Gunnar Henderson and catcher Adley Rutschman being voted in as starters by the fans, only ace Corbin Burnes made it through the players' ballot or was chosen by the Commissioner's Office.

This means that standout players such as closer Craig Kimbrel, infielder Jordan Westburg, outfielder Anthony Santander, designated hitter Ryan O'Hearn, and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who have either had exceptional first halves or were fan ballot finalists, were left off the AL roster.

Although individually their exclusions might not come as a shock, the fact that all of them were snubbed raises questions. It's particularly perplexing given that the Orioles are on pace to win over 100 games for the second year in a row and are tied with the Cleveland Guardians, who have five All-Star selections, at the top of the AL standings.

The Orioles' frustration is further compounded when comparing their three All-Stars to other teams' numbers. The Philadelphia Phillies, the best team in the National League, have seven players representing them, while even teams like the San Diego Padres, a wild-card team with a record slightly above .500, have five players in the game.

Manager Brandon Hyde expressed his disappointment, stating, "When you win as many games as we have in the last year and a half and you only get three guys in, and you're on the pace we are on right now and we won 101 games last year with a lot of the same group, you'd think that we'd get more guys in."

With eight days remaining until the All-Star game, there is a possibility that more Orioles players could be added if others decline to attend or are unable to participate due to injuries. Nonetheless, the Orioles' clubhouse currently feels aggrieved by the lack of recognition.

Designated hitter Ryan O'Hearn summed up the sentiment, saying, "When you have a team of this caliber and only three guys get to go, yeah, it definitely sucks." However, O'Hearn also expressed his happiness for his deserving teammates, Burnes, Henderson, and Rutschman.

Ultimately, the snubs of players like Kimbrel, Westburg, and Santander have raised questions about the All-Star selection process and whether it truly represents the best players in the league. With their outstanding performances in the first half of the season, these players certainly have strong cases to be part of the All-Star festivities.

As the countdown to the exhibition continues, Orioles fans hope that their standout players will receive the recognition they deserve, either through late additions or consideration for future All-Star opportunities.