The starting lineup for the American League in the 2015 MLB All-Star Game will not include any members of the New York Yankees. Which Yankees, however, deserve to be part of the roster? Let's look at several of the Yankees' top performers this season and assess the likelihood each player makes the 34-man roster.

[Related: How All-Star Game rosters are constructed]

DH Alex Rodriguez -- When the season began, the idea of discussing Rodriguez as an All-Star would have seemed ludicrous.


Now? It seems like a perfectly logical debate that needs to be had. 

Rodriguez has already done fare more than anyone thought he could for the entire season, having an outstanding first half with the bat despite being 39 and sitting out all of 2014 due to his suspension. He is posting his best numbers since he hit 30 homers and drove in 125 runs in 2010. He leads all full-time designated hitters with 15 homers, is third in RBI with 46 and his .284/.398/.504/.892 slash line is unmatched by any DH.

Will he make it? He desperately wants to, and he should. Statistically, he deserves to. If he doesn't, that is a political decision based on A-Rod's 2014 suspension and his past admissions about PED use.

OF Brett Gardner -- This is a very interesting case. Gardner has been the Yankees' best player, in my view. He has done both his job and Jacoby Ellsbury's job since Ellsbury went down in mid-May with a knee injury. Gardner has played center field capably and has carried the top of the Yankee lineup, both setting the table and doing plenty of damage driving in runs.

Entering play on Sunday, Gardner, has a .299/.371/.485/.856 slash line with nine home runs, 39 RBI and 15 stolen bases. None of those numbers are league-leading in any category, but all-around they show that the 31-year-old is having a phenomenal season. He hit .351 with a 1.033 OPS in June. Yet, Gardner's name is nowhere to be found when you look at the top outfield vote-getters in the AL. 

Will he make it? I believe strongly that he should, but I doubt that he will. There are always a plethora of outfielders to choose from, and I believe Gardner ends up being overlooked.

RP Dellin Betances -- Closing or setting up, Betances is as dominant as any reliever in baseball. He set up for Andrew Miller, and has been outstanding in a closing role with Miller on the DL. Betances has 68 strikeouts in 42 innings over 37 games, to go along with seven saves.

Will he make it? Without a doubt.

SP Michael Pineda -- The big right-hander has been the Yankees' best starting pitcher this season, and has been downright dominant at times. He has a pair of double-digit strikeout games, including 16 vs. the Baltimore Orioles on May 10. Overall, he is 8-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 16 starts covering 99.2 innings. He has walked just 13 hitters all season while striking out 105. 

Will he make it? Probably not. Honestly, I am guessing the Yankees would be happy if he didn't. Pineda has already thrown more innings this season than at any time since 2011, and he could use the rest.

[Related:Can Yankees stay in the AL East race?]

1B Mark Teixeira -- Much like Rodriguez, Teixeira has already done far more than anyone expected.He has 20 home runs, 59 RBI and a .259/.358/.538/.896 slash line. Teixeira has also played some incredible defense.

Will he make it? Probably not. Unfortunately for Teixera, first base is also a crowded position. Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols, Jose Abreu and several other players could also make the team. Perhaps the fact that Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers just went on the DL opens a spot for Teixeira.

C Brian McCann -- Having a nice season with 13 homers, 52 RBI and a .264/.333/.477/.810 slash line. 

Will he make it? McCann isn't a guy who comes immediately to mind as a potential All-Star, but I think his chances are 50-50