When the Cincinnati Reds hosted the 2016 All-Star Game, Zack Cozart had a legitimate case for making his first All-Star game, but was watching from the dugout. About two weeks earlier, the Reds’ longtime shortstop had slipped on first base while running out a ground ball, tearing the ACL and LCL in his right knee.
After three mostly mediocre or below average seasons at the plate prior to the 2015 season, many wondered if his first-half production was something he could repeat in 2016 — especially after suffering such a gruesome knee injury. The Reds’ front office kept reminding us that Cozart had been an elite lead-off hitter in the minors, as the fans watched his struggle to hit after a series of minor injuries.