After losing their general manager, their manager and one of their best players in Ben Zobrist, you’d think the Tampa Bay Rays would take a step back in 2015. However, they’ve actually taken a step forward this year due in part to big performances from a number of players. These five in particular deserve All-Star consideration this season.
5. RHP Kevin Jepsen
Getty Images1-4, 2.63 ERA
Jepsen has been really valuable wherever he's been in his career, and the Rays have learned that quickly. He's been their best reliever this season and has been one of the better non-closers in the American League. That means he should be considered for spot on the All-Star roster.
1-4, 2.63 ERA
Jepsen has been really valuable wherever he's been in his career, and the Rays have learned that quickly. He's been their best reliever this season and has been one of the better non-closers in the American League. That means he should be considered for spot on the All-Star roster.
4. OF Brandon Guyer
Getty Images
.284 average, 2 HRs, 15 RBIs, 7 steals
Guyer isn't flashy, but he gets the job done. He's a spark plug that helps make the Rays go. Most voters don't recognize guys like this since his power numbers aren't the best, but someone who is this important to his team should at least be considered for an All-Star roster spot.
.284 average, 2 HRs, 15 RBIs, 7 steals
Guyer isn't flashy, but he gets the job done. He's a spark plug that helps make the Rays go. Most voters don't recognize guys like this since his power numbers aren't the best, but someone who is this important to his team should at least be considered for an All-Star roster spot.
3. DH David DeJesus
Noah K. Murray - USA TODAY sports.301 average, 5 HRs, 20 RBIs
DeJesus seemed like he was going to play out the rest of his days in Tampa Bay as a very average outfielder, but this season has been much better than that for the veteran. He's a force at the top of the order for the Rays, and especially since he's getting up there in age, he deserves to be recognized for his solid first half.
.301 average, 5 HRs, 20 RBIs
DeJesus seemed like he was going to play out the rest of his days in Tampa Bay as a very average outfielder, but this season has been much better than that for the veteran. He's a force at the top of the order for the Rays, and especially since he's getting up there in age, he deserves to be recognized for his solid first half.
2. RHP Jake Odorizzi
Getty Images4-5, 2.47 ERA, 63 strikeouts
Odorizzi has been overshadowed by Chris Archer, who has been phenomenal this season, but he's been nearly as good. He's the No. 2 in one of the best 1-2 punches in baseball this season, and that means he should get serious consideration for an All-Star Game spot.
4-5, 2.47 ERA, 63 strikeouts
Odorizzi has been overshadowed by Chris Archer, who has been phenomenal this season, but he's been nearly as good. He's the No. 2 in one of the best 1-2 punches in baseball this season, and that means he should get serious consideration for an All-Star Game spot.
1. RHP Chris Archer
Getty Images7-4, 2.00 ERA, 113 strikeouts
Archer has been one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball this season. He's finally broken out and showed off his electric stuff. He can miss bats with the best of them, and based on his first-half performance, he should be seriously considered as the American League's starting pitcher for the Midsummer Classic.
7-4, 2.00 ERA, 113 strikeouts
Archer has been one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball this season. He's finally broken out and showed off his electric stuff. He can miss bats with the best of them, and based on his first-half performance, he should be seriously considered as the American League's starting pitcher for the Midsummer Classic.
