In addition to Cody Bellinger, who will occupy one of the three starting outfield spots for the National League in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, the Los Angeles Dodgers learned on Sunday that they will be represented by three more players at Progressive Field on July 9.
While there were a few snubs on the position player side — Max Muncy, Joc Pederson and Justin Turner come to mind — three-fifths of the Dodgers starting rotation will be on display during the 90th Midsummer Classic. Walker Buehler and Hyun-Jin Ryu were each selected to their first career All-Star Game while Clayton Kershaw earned an impressive eighth nod.
And with Dave Roberts at the helm as NL manager for a second consecutive year, he will be responsible for constructing the team’s lineup and pitching order.
That’s good news for Ryu, who is expected to start for the NL in the All-Star Game, becoming the first Dodgers pitcher to do so since Zack Greinke in 2015.
In the midst of a career year, Ryu is grateful that Roberts has rewarded him with NL starting duties and hopes to garner good results on the mound, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“It’s an incredible honor and privilege to start the All-Star Game. Making the All-Star Game was definitely a big privilege, let alone getting a chance to start it. Although it is a festival and everyone should enjoy it, I’ll do my best to get good results.”
Now in his sixth Major League season, Ryu’s first career All-Star Game selection was a long time in the making. Having overcome significant injuries in the past, the success he has enjoyed this year is a testament to his work ethic and passion for pitching.
After finishing his 2018 campaign on a strong note, Ryu bet on himself this past offseason and accepted the Dodgers’ qualifying offer, returning to the only MLB organization he has ever known.
Ryu has since jumped out as the early favorite for NL Cy Young Award honors after an incredible first half of the regular season. In 16 starts, he has compiled a 9-2 record, MLB-best 1.82 ERA, 2.87 FIP and 0.90 WHIP with 94 strikeouts against seven walks over 103 innings pitched.
If the 32-year-old is able to replicate that production in the second half and postseason, he will position himself nicely to land a lucrative multi-year contract in free agency this winter.
