Four Dodgers Chosen To All-Star Game By a Giant’s Manager
The all-star reserves were announced today and despite the Dodgers having no all-star game starters, they made up for it by having four players named to the all-star club as reserves. Giant’s manager Bruce Bochy surprisingly chose three Dodger position players, and one pitcher for the mid-summer classic. The starters may be voted on by the fans, but the reserves are chosen by the all-star game manager and coaching staff. Although this year Don Mattingly is a member of that staff. As a player Mattingly appeared in six consecutive all-star games from 1984-1989. He also participated in one as a coach under Joe Torre in 2004.
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Adrian Gonzalez, Joc Pederson, and Yasmani Grandal will join Zack Greinke in the all-star game on July 14 at Cincinnati.
Gonzalez entered Monday night with a .291/.366/.518 slash line in 336 plate appearances. He’s hit 15 home runs and has driven in 50 runs in 82 games. He’s also played stellar defense posting a +9 total zone fielding runs above average, and 6 defensive runs saved. Remember, defense counts too. This is fifth career all-star game.
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Slugging rookie outfielder Joc Pederson is going to his first career all-star game in his first full MLB season. Despite hitting just .234 and having 98 strikeouts, Joc has had an incredible beginning to his Dodger career. He’s hit 20 home runs and has 38 runs batted in. He’s drawn 56 walks, while posting a .372 OBP and a .502 slugging percentage. In 337 plate appearances Joc has an .876 OPS. While being a stud with the bat, joc is just as much an all-star for his glove. While making incredible superman like catches all season long, Joc is becoming one of the better center fielders in the National League. The numbers agree with this. Joc has a +10 total zone fielding runs above average, and has registered 3 defensive runs saved. Congratulations Joc!
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Also making his first all-star game appearance is catcher Yasmani Grandal. The switch-hitting power bat has been excellent this year. Grandal is hitting .271/.384/.497 with 13 home runs and 34 runs batted in. Grandal has posted an .881 OPS in 237 plate appearances. Grandal has also been very solid behind the plate and is widely considered as one of the best pitch-framers in Baseball.
Finally starter Zack Greinke will join the all-star game as the lone pitching representative for the boys in blue. Greinke is participating in his third career all-star game. Greinke has been nothing short of fantastic all season long. He currently leads the Majors in ERA and is currently in the midst of a 32.2 consecutive scoreless inning streak.
Greinke has a 6-2 record with a 1.48 ERA in 17 starts. The feathered right hander has struck out 98 and walked 20 in 115.1 innings pitched. He’s posted a 6.5 hits per nine rate and 7.6 strikeout per nine rate. He has a 0.893 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 249.
Clayton Kershaw did not get selected, but could still squeak in as a winner of the final vote.
The all-star game is scheduled for July 14 at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park at 4:30 PM PST.