The MLB All-Star Game has come and gone with the American League taking the exhibition game for the 10th time in their last 11 meetings with the National League.
Now, everyone's attention is about to shift back to their teams, and the Boston Red Sox have been playing great baseball and have put themselves in the third Wild Card spot with 67 games left to play.
Before we resume the action, let's hand out some midseason awards for some Red Sox who deserve the recognition.
MVP: Rafael Devers
Devers is in the midst of arguably the best season of his career. The three-time All-Star third baseman has hit .295 with a .977 OPS, 23 home runs and 61 RBIs while being serviceable in the field. Despite battling different injuries throughout the season, Devers has continued to be the face of the franchise and led a team with a number of unproven players to an impressive first half.
CY Young: Tanner Houck
Houck is having the best full season of his career as well. Becoming an All-Star for the first time this year, he's posted a 2.54 ERA (fifth in baseball) and a 1.03 WHIP (11th) while striking out 112 batters (tied for 24th). Considering Houck was an afterthought and was possibly out of the bullpen if Lucas Giolito was healthy, his year has been nothing short of incredible.
Rookie of the Year: Ceddanne Rafaela
Boston believed in Rafaela enough at the beginning of the year to give him an eight-year, $50 million extension, and he's lived up to the hype so far. Playing both shortstop and center field, he's looked like a wizard with his glove, and he's had some clutch hits at key times. On the season, he's hitting .246 with a .692 OPS, 11 home runs, 52 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. If he can avoid the slumps, he'll be a star for years to come.
Most Improved: Jarren Duran
Like Houck, Duran's status with the team was up in the air before the season started, but he's done everything in his power to show that he belongs. Playing in every game this year, Duran has hit .284 with an .820 OPS, 10 home runs, 41 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. He also leads the league in doubles (27) and triples (10). Everything he's done this year has led to his first All-Star Game selection and his first All-Star Game MVP.
