Guardians down, but not completely out at All-Star break

• It's a big disappointment after making it to the American League Championship Series last season.

Driving the news: The Guardians have one player in Tuesday night's All-Star Game in reserve: Steven Kwan.

• José Ramírez was elected as the AL's starting third baseman but has opted not to play.

By the numbers: Cleveland is 12 games back of the first-place Detroit Tigers and 4 1/2 games back of the AL's final Wild Card spot.

• The biggest problem is the lineup. Cleveland ranks 26th out of 30 teams in runs scored, 29th in batting average and last in hits.

Between the lines: The team has also been without ace pitcher Shane Bieber, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. He's making a rehab start this week.

• Pitcher Luis Ortiz is on leave while being investigated for alleged gambling.

What they're saying: "I believe in this team," manager Stephen Vogt said after a recent loss.

• "I believe we have the right players. I believe our guys are talented, phenomenal baseball players. My confidence never shakes in this group."

What's next: The Guardians kick off the second half with a three-game series against the Athletics on Friday at Progressive Field.

The bottom line: Cleveland has bounced back from rough starts before, but doing so this season will be challenging given the Tigers' dominance.