SEATTLE—Two of the most prominent Oriole candidates for next month’s All-Star Game are second baseman Jackson Holliday and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn.
Holliday enters Wednesday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners with a .268 average , a .750 OPS, seven home runs and 26 RBIs. O’Hearn is hitting .335 with a .960 OPS, nine home runs and 23 RBIs.
Holliday and O’Hearn haven’t been in an All-Star Game, though Matt Holliday, Jackson’s father, was a seven-time All-Star.
“That would be pretty special,” Holliday said. “It would be quite an honor to be a part of that. I feel very, very lucky and blessed if I get the opportunity to play in that and be a part of that would be really special.”
The 21-year-old Holliday didn’t know he was on the ballot.
“Honestly, I have no idea how that works,” he said. “I thought I’d been playing pretty well and had somewhat of a chance … It’s really cool. I remember voting for my dad a whole bunch every time he was on there.”
Perhaps his younger brother Ethan can now vote for him.
“Hopefully, a busy time for the whole family,” he said.
Interim manager Tony Mansolino is particularly excited about the 31-year-old O’Hearn, who had a .219 average and .683 OPS in five years with Kansas City. In three seasons with the Orioles, he has a .286 average and .812 OPS.
Mansolino was “floored” to find out how high O’Hearn’s OPS was.
“You look at the whole package, and I said, ‘Oh my goodness,’” Mansolino said. “He’s having an incredible year. I’m really happy for O. Blue collar-type guy, not a lot has been given to him. He’s earned everything he’s been given.”
Health updates
Outfielder Ramón Laureano and catcher Gary Sánchez are playing their first rehab game for Triple-A Norfolk. Sánchez, who is on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation, hit a three-run home run against Louisville on Wednesday.
Centerfielder Cedric Mullins, who has a strained right hamstring, is running well, Mansolino said.
“All reports on Cedric are really good right now,” Mansolino said. “Baseball activities soon. We’ll see him on this next homestand if all goes well.”
Ryan Mountcastle, who stole home in last Friday’s 2-1 over the White Sox, is also on the injured list with a right hamstring strain.
“It’s going to be a little bit,” Mansolino said. “It’s going to be a little while.”
Grayson Rodriguez, who has yet to pitch this season because of right elbow inflammation, has an uncertain timetable.
“I know he’s throwing the ball,” Mansolino said. “He’s on his throwing program. He’s progressing on the original schedule.”
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