What happened: Craig Mish reported that Shohei Ohtani's withdrawal from the All-Star Game should open a spot for Sandy Alcantara on the NL roster. Mish noted the Marlins rank fourth in MLB in wins but have only two All-Star selections.
Why it matters: Ohtani's exit from the NL squad leaves a roster spot open, and Mish argues Alcantara's production makes him the natural fill-in given Miami's record. The Marlins have won 52 games against 42 losses, a pace Mish frames as out of step with just two All-Star nods.
By the numbers: Miami is 52-42, tied for the majors' fourth-most wins, and had won six straight before Thursday's 3-2 series finale loss to Cleveland. The Marlins are averaging 4.6 runs scored against 4.3 allowed on the season.
What to watch: Whether MLB adds Alcantara to the NL All-Star roster in the coming days.