Ex-Twins who could be All-Stars

June 1, 2014 at 5:05AM
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Lohse (26) works in the first inning of a baseball game against Atlanta Braves Wednesday, May 21, 2014 in Atlanta. Milwaukee won 6-1. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Kyle Lohse is 6-1 with a 2.92 ERA, one big reason for the Brewers’ success. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Homecoming?

These ex-Twins are in the running for All-Star Game roster spots (all stats are entering weekend):

National League

Justin Morneau, 1B, Rockies

Colorado Rockies' Justin Morneau, right, celebrates with Corey Dickerson after hitting a home run off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez during the third inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, May 28, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
(Brian Stensaas — ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

He was No. 3 in the initial fan voting results at first base, less than 45,000 votes behind the Dodgers' Adrian Gonzalez. Batting .312 with 10 HRs and 33 RBI in 51 games.

Michael Cuddyer, OF, Rockies

The Mets made baseball's first splash of the offseason, reaching agreement with two-time All-Star outfielder and former Twin Michael Cuddyer on a two-year deal worth $21 million.
(Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The defending NL batting champion missed almost a month because of a strained hamstring, but he is batting .326 with five homers in 25 games. No. 14 in current fan voting.

Carlos Gomez, OF, Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez reacts after teammate third baseman Mark Reynolds hit two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park in Miami, Friday, May 23, 2014. The Brewers defeated the Marlins, 9-5. (David Santiago/El Nuevo Herald/MCT) ORG XMIT: 1153267
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

He was No. 6 in outfield voting, about 75,000 short of the third and final starting spot. Batting .323 with 11 HRs, 30 RBI and 10 SBs in 48 games.

Kyle Lohse, P, Brewers

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Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Lohse throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Wednesday, July 3, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ORG XMIT: MIN2013070320174885
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

He's been a key for the surprising Brewers, going 6-1 with a 2.92 ERA in 11 starts. He has walked only 13 and struck out 59 in 74 IP.

American League

David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrated his 2nd homer run in the forth inning during night MLB action between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field Tuesday May 13, 2014 in Minneapolis , MN.
(Dml - Star Tribune Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

He was No. 1 in voting at DH in the first release of fan voting; batting .270 with 12 HRs and 30 RBI in 51 games. Has been named to past four AL All-Star teams, and nine of past 10.

Torii Hunter, OF, Tigers

(left to right) Detroit's Torii Hunter celebrated after scoring a run in the first inning.] Minnesota vs. Detroit, Target Field, 4/26/14.] Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune bbisping@startribune.com Torri Hunter/roster.
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The five-time All-Star is 38 now but still productive. He was batting .282 with eight HRs and 29 RBI in 44 games, and was No. 6 in last week's fan voting among outfielders.

J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles

Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

He's No. 3 in shortstop voting, but 335,000 votes behind Derek Jeter. Made the team last year and was batting .296 this season but surprisingly still looking for his first home run.

A.J. Pierzynski, C, Red Sox

Boston Red Sox's A.J. Pierzynski celebrates as he passes Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo (46) after his game-winning RBI triple during the 10th inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Friday, May 30, 2014. The Red Sox defeated the Rays 3-2. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Currently No. 4 in catcher voting, just ahead of the Twins' Kurt Suzuki. Pierzynski was batting .279 with 25 RBI in 43 games. The Twins tried to sign him as a free agent last winter.

Joe Nathan, P, Tigers

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan celebrates beating the Houston Astros 3-2 after the final out in the ninth inning of a baseball game in Detroit Wednesday, May 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
(Brian Stensaas — ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The six-time All-Star reliever could have a difficult time this season, with four blown saves and a 5.23 ERA. But his 13 saves were still tied for third in the AL.

Dennis Brackin

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