Pedro Alvarez, Andrew McCutchen, Jason Grilli, and Jeff Locke have been selected to participate in the 2013 MLB All-Star Game.
Alvarez, elected as a reserve, has continued to be the Pirates’ best source of power with a team-leading 21 home runs and 56 RBIs. That is good enough for third and tied for sixth in the NL, respectively. McCutchen, also making an appearance as a reserve, continues to be one of the best multi-tool players in baseball. The centerfielder came into today hitting .298 with nine homers, 45 RBIs, and 18 steals in 315 ABs coupled with being an excellent glove in the outfield.
Grilli, once a journeyman, has found a home in Pittsburgh. He has a major league leading 28 saves to go with a 2.15 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 37.3 innings. Locke has arguably been the team’s best starter the first half of the season. He sports an 8-1 record and his 2.12 ERA is second in the National League, trailing only Clayton Kershaw.
This will mark the first time since 1981 the Pirates have had four players representing the NL roster.
Alvarez, Locke, and Grilli will be making their first All-Star appearances. It will be McCutchen’s third trip.
The 2013 All-Star Game will be held July 16th at Citi Field in New York.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com/FuLinHyu
