ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Shane McClanahan has change into solely the second Tampa Bay Rays pitcher to earn beginning honors for the All-Star Game, following David Price in 2010.
McClanahan, a former USF pitcher, has the statistics to show he has one of many recreation’s finest pitchers this season.
“He’s deserving, but to tell you the truth, I’ve never seen him pitch,” American League supervisor Dusty Baker stated. “We didn’t play him at all this year, but everyone I’ve talked to tells me he is nasty. He is my choice through talking to others. I’m excited to see him pitch except when he pitches against us in September.”
McClanahan is 10-3 this season, with a Majors-best 1.71 earned run common and 147 strikeouts (second-most).
“There are so many deserving guys that had a heck of a year so far in the American League,” McClanahan stated. “To even be in consideration for this is truly just an honor. I am very excited to take the ball and have Dusty see me pitch for the first time.”
Chris O’Meara/AP
With the sport being performed at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Baker stated there was consideration to have Los Angeles Angles two-way begin Shohei Ohtani make the beginning.
“The information we received from Ohtani’s camp is that he probably or wouldn’t start,” Baker stated. “That’s why we chose Shane.”
McClanahan is the Rays’ lone consultant within the 92nd Midsummer Classic. But, he makes the pitch for different teammates which can be “very deserving.”
“Yandy Diaz, the guy is batting .300; he’s second in the league in on-base percentage,” McClanahan stated. “Harold Ramirez, the guy is batting .330; Jason Adam is having a heck of a year. I feel like those guys are very deserving. I feel like they should be here.”
McClanahan’s childhood idol, Dodgers-great Clayton Kershaw, will get the beginning for the National League. McClanahan stated that he would deliver a Kershaw jersey with him in hopes of getting it signed.