CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.
Major League Baseball will announce the full rosters for its 2021 All-Star Game on Sunday.
With that in mind, let's take a look at which players could find themselves representing the Cleveland Indians in the 91st Midsummer Classic, which will take place at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, on July 13.
Jose Ramirez, 3B
At this point, Jose Ramirez should already have his flight booked for Denver.
While Rafael Devers will start for the American League at third base, Ramirez is having one of the best seasons of any player at his position. Appearing in 76 games, the three-time A.L. MVP finalist has amassed a .265 batting average (.882 OPS) to go along with 18 home runs and 50 RBI -- numbers that only trail Devers for American League third baseman.
Despite lacking consistent help following the offseason trade that sent Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets, Ramirez has anchored the Indians lineup throughout their run to a 42-36 record. Already considered one of the best players in the American League, a third All-Star appearance for Ramirez's resume is a mere formality at this point.
Shane Bieber, SP
Shane Bieber is currently on the Injured List with a right shoulder strain and at this point, a return to big leagues by July 13 seems like a stretch. But in some ways, the reigning A.L. Cy Young Award winner's injury only makes his All-Star resume more impressive.
Despite having not pitched since June 13, Bieber remains the A.L.'s leader in strikeouts with 130 to his credit. Having also posted a 7-4 record and 3.28 ERA, the only thing standing in the 2019 All-Star Game MVP's return to the Midsummer Classic seems to be his own availability for the contest.
Emmanuel Clase, RP
While Cleveland's starting rotation has garnered the bulk of the headlines in recent years, this season, it's been the Indians' bullpen stealing the show. And when it comes to the All-Star Game, it's tough to find a better fit than Emmanuel Clase, who in addition to posting a team-best ERA of 1.10, 11 saves and 36 strikeouts routinely tops 100 miles per hour on his pitches.
James Karinchak, RP
Aiding Clase in Cleveland's closer-by-committee role has been James Karinchak, whose 59 strikeouts rank second among American League relief pitchers. While the hard-throwing combo of Clase and Karinchak has proven All-Star worthy, their toughest competition for a spot in the American League's bullpen may very well come from each other.
Amed Rosario, SS
While he entered the 2021 season as a part-time outfielder, it didn't take long for Amed Rosario to establish himself as the full-time replacement for the player he was traded for, Lindor. Taking over as Cleveland's new everyday starting shortstop in May, the 25-year-old former Met has hit for a .270 average (.709 OPS), five home runs and 23 RBI, while also stealing seven bases.
While Rosario ranks in the top 10 in most statistical categories for A.L. shortstops, he faces tough competition at the position with the Red Sox' Xander Bogaerts having already been selected as the starter and Carlos Correa (Houston Astros), J.P. Crawford (Seattle Mariners), Bo Bichette (Toronto Blue Jays) and Tim Anderson (Chicago White Sox) having also put together All-Star caliber seasons. While Rosario is unlikely to make the initial All-Star Game roster, he could make for a viable injury replacement.