Still more than a week away from the 2019 MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts tipped his hand by essentially naming Hyun-Jin Ryu the starting pitcher for the National League.
The decision wasn’t much of a surprise, as Ryu led the Majors in several pitching categories through the first half.
Roberts confirmed his decision in a more formal manner during media availability for the All-Star Game, as he and Ryu spoke with assembled reporters. “Why I chose Hyun-Jin, for me he’s been the epitome of consistency,” Roberts explained.
“He’s been the best pitcher in the National League. Just his going through injuries throughout his career and to come back to where he’s at right now, I’m very proud of him to overcome all this adversity.
“And then now you layer in the component of the game as we’re trying to expand this game of baseball: First South Korean-born pitcher to start a Major League All-Star Game. So I think that’s a big deal, not only for him, but his country. So it was a no-brainer for me.”
Ryu is the Dodgers’ first starter in the All-Star Game since Zack Greinke in 2015. Ryu joins Hideo Nomo (1995) and Fernando Valenzuela (1981) as international pitchers who have held the distinction for the franchise.
“Just a great honor for me to start the All-Star Game, not only for myself but for my family and for all the fans in Korea,” Ryu said. “It’s definitely a special day and I’d like to use this opportunity to show them what they want.
“To be completely honest, it still feels surreal. It almost feels like a postseason game, where I’m speaking in front of you guys before my start. So that’s the closest to what I’m feeling right now.
“When I signed with the Dodgers all I wanted was to get a chance to compete with the best in Major League Baseball in the States, and getting that opportunity was the priority. I wasn’t necessarily thinking about pitching in an All-Star Game. But like I said before, this is all surreal to me.”
Ryu is only expected to pitch one inning, and will likely be followed by teammate Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers, owners of the best record in baseball, had five players elected to the 90th Midsummer Classic.
The last of which was Max Muncy, who was an injury replacement on the NL roster for Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon.
