With the best record in the majors and five players at the All-Star Game, it seems only logical that a Phillie should start in the game. However, with elected starter Placido Polanco out because of an injury, National League manager Bruce Bochy had one guy he could turn to.
With that, Bochy named Roy Halladay as his starting pitcher for Tuesday nights midsummer classic.
"I couldn't have a better guy to start the All-Star Game for us," Bochy said. "You talk about the elite pitchers in the game and you look at his numbers this year, and it's obvious he's very deserving.
"When you talk about the best, this guy is always at the top. It's been like this the last few years. So I'm really looking forward to seeing him start the game, and I'm excited that I could name him the starter."
Halladay last started in the All-Star Game in 2009 where he went two innings for the American League, surrendering four hits and three runs in the ALs 4-3 victory. He pitched two-thirds for the National League in last seasons game where he gave up two hits and had a strikeout in the NLs first victory since 1996.
Its a tremendous honor for me and I dont envy the people who have to make these decisions, Halladay said. There are a lot of worthy people to be here.
This will be Halladays second appearance as a member of the Phillies and eighth All-Star appearance of his career. He got the starting nod this year partially because he leads the league with six complete games and 143 13 innings to go with an 11-3 record and 2.45 ERA. Halladay also leads the league in strikeouts-to-walks ratio (8.12) and has allowed the fewest walks per nine innings (1.1).
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Halladay also got the starting bid because its his day to pitch. He last went to the mound on Friday against the Braves and depending on how taxing his effort is on Tuesday night, he could be ready to pitch again on Sunday in New York.
Meanwhile, Halladay could be the only Phillie to appear in the game. Cole Hamels is not eligible to play because he pitched on Sunday while Shane Victorino and Polanco are out for injuries. Cliff Lee could pitch considering he last started on Saturday.
Lee could pitch in the game if he used it as his side work.
I think that everybody who participates in that game understands that the individuals teams have priority over the All-Star Game, assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said. Were all here to play the championship season and move on to the postseason, nobody involved is going to put that at risk.
Earlier this week, pitching coach Rich Dubee expressed some concern over Halladay's prospects for pitching in the All-Star Game.
You're looking at a guy that's leading the league in innings pitched by a pretty good size, Dubee said. I don't know that you can deny the All-Star start. It would be an honor, but at the same time this guy is taking on a big workload again, like he always does.
Halladays main concern is the regular season. Otherwise, hes ready to go.
Obviously you go there to pitch and thats the main idea, but there are definitely other guys that are worthy of it, Halladay said. Whether they ask me or not I dont know. The only thing I always try to keep in mind is how is this going to affect me going forward. Obviously, starting you have to pitch longer than if you come in later. Not that its always in your control, but its just things you consider and you talk over with the staff here.
The last Phillies pitcher to start in the All-Star Game was Curt Schilling in 1999. Before that it was Terry Mulholland in 1993 then Steve Carlton in 1979.E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow him on Twitter @JRFingerCSN.Related: Phils prospects Cosart, Valle stand out in PhoenixUtility man Martinez may prove vital for Phillies