The Upper Deck

Welcome to The Upper Deck, Baseball America’s daily look at the biggest stories around the game and some lighter fare.

Hey Now, You’re An All-Star

.@redturn2, ALL-STAR!!!! pic.twitter.com/2IWNL4dRIQ

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 6, 2017

Nothing wrong with a Smash Mouth reference to start off a Friday, right? Dodgers’ third baseman Justin Turner earned his first All-Star appearance with the NL Final Vote on Thursday. The Royals’ Mike Moustakas got the final nod in the American League. Turner’s live reaction to the announcement on MLB Network is pretty cool.

What Just Happened?

That’s something you won’t see every day…

The bat goes flying, the ball goes flying and Knapp scores from first. pic.twitter.com/DgvnvLMn2q

— CSN Philly (@CSNPhilly) July 6, 2017

One of the most bizarre plays this season starts with Phillies utilityman Andres Blanco losing the grip on his bat and having it fly into the stands. The bat distracts Pirates first baseman Josh Bell, so when catcher Elias Diaz throws the ball down to first, no one is there. The ball sails into right field and Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp, who probably should have been picked off, scores from first on a three-base throwing error.

Infield Triple

Just your ordinary infield triple… pic.twitter.com/DCRKxnhOsP

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 7, 2017

The majors weren’t the only ones to have a player do something peculiar Thursday. Double-A Springfield outfielder Randy Arozarena hit what appeared to be a routine infield fly. Instead, the ball landed between several Midland (Athletics) fielders. With no one covering any of the bases, Arozarena turned the soft hit into a triple.

Field of Dreams

Keenan Briggs hits 2 run dinger in 11 yr old district all-star tourney! Born with only one hand but kid has a huge heart and drive #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/kn6KZSSTlk

— Chuck Owsley (@OwsleyChuck) July 2, 2017

Kentucky Little Leaguer Keenan Briggs, who was born with one arm, hit his first home run last Sunday. Sure, maybe it’s a week old, but watching the video will brighten anyone’s day.

Trout and About

Currently on 1st base for your 66ers pic.twitter.com/uPHq4VlmQm

— Inland Empire 66ers (@66ersBaseball) July 7, 2017

Mike Trout is still hitless after two rehab games with high Class A Inland Empire. However, that has not stopped the excitement with the 66ers. Trout on Thursday helped draw 6,078 fans to San Manuel Stadium—2,400 more than the previous game. Trout is recovering from ligament tear in his thumb. He won’t play today but is expected back in the lineup Saturday, for those of you who want to travel to San Bernardino.

Happenings at Baseball America

J.J. Cooper and John Manuel sat down to discuss the Futures games. Twins’ prospect Zack Granite hit .470 in June to lead our monthly all-prospect team.