San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who is managing the National League squad at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game, announced on Monday that Matt Harvey will be starting on the mound for the NL. When speaking to reporters about the decision, Bochy insisted it had nothing to do with the fact that the game is being held in New York.
“It wouldn’t have mattered what city we were playing in with the year he’s had,” Bochy said, via the LA Times.
Harvey has pitched tremendously throughout the first half, posting a 7-2 record with a 2.35 ERA and striking out 147 batters. Bochy likely made his comments to make sure Harvey gets enough credit and is not just seen as a pitcher who got the start by default in his home ballpark.
Bochy also pointed out that Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright were candidates to earn the starting job, but his remark about Harvey starting no matter where the game was seemed to upset Kershaw.
“It hurts,” Kershaw said according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. “Yeah, it hurts.”
Kershaw also noted that he found out about the decision while watching TV. The 25-year-old is 8-6 and has posted an incredible 1.98 ERA this season. I doubt anyone would have been surprised if he was named the starter but, again, I think Bochy was just trying to prove he did not give Harvey the honor strictly because the game is at Citi Field.
We’re talking about the All-Star Game here, not Game 1 of the World Series. Bochy certainly wasn’t trying to offend anyone. Fans are probably glad Kershaw cares about the event, but he could afford to lighten up a bit.
