Jose Bautista rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Tampa Bay. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
CHICAGO — His batting average might be down a bit, but Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista had enough power numbers to be chosen as one of the reserves for the American League team in the upcoming 2015 All-Star Game.
Bautista and catcher Russell Martin joined the AL roster Monday, a day after Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson was selected a starter with the most votes in All-Star Game history.
“It’s a great recognition and (I’m) very proud,” said Bautista, who made the AL All-Star roster for the sixth time in his career. “I’ll let (reporters) sing me praises. I just keep going out there trying to do what I’ve been doing the past few years, and that’s driving in runs and helping the team win games.”
The fact his batting average was .246 prior to the Blue Jays’ 4-2 loss at the Chicago White Sox on Monday wasn’t nearly as much of a concern.
“I know my batting average is not where I’d like it to be right now, but I’m also a big believer that you don’t win games by getting base hits,” said Bautista before going 0-for-4 Monday. “You do it by driving in runs and scoring runs, and you can only do that by getting on base. I’ve been doing plenty of that because I’ve been taking my walks this year.”
Bautista has 65 walks in 330 plate appearances through the first 85 games, a pace that would put him just a notch below his career high of 132 walks, set in 2011.
Last season, Bautista hit .286 and drew 104 walks in 155 games.
“I feel like I’m doing a good job so far, but the challenge is finishing the season strong and continuing to help the team win games throughout the whole 162 (games),” Bautista said.
That also depends on his right shoulder, which has nagged him due to inflammation almost the entire first half. Bautista said he is not experiencing any pain right now, but also said the shoulder still wasn’t 100 percent healthy. He hasn’t had to attempt any long throws from right field to the plate yet either, which he is happy about.
“It’s hard when you don’t get to rest,” Bautista said. “We play every day, so we’ll see. It’s a work in progress. It’s not necessarily how I feel or the pain, because I don’t have much pain right now, but when you sprain an ankle, and you start walking and running, you’re always tentative. And that’s what’s happened. As I’ve played more games, I’m less shy with it and I’m kind of letting it go.”
Bautista said he is not sure if he will compete in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game if asked.
“I always keep that door open, but we’ll see how my body’s feeling at the break,” he said. “My No. 1 goal is to help this team go to the playoffs, and if I feel like by going to the Home Run Derby I might not put myself in the best position to do so, then I might have to politely decline that opportunity.”
