Giants manager Bruce Bochy said there was no better pitcher than Roy Halladay to start for his NL squad in this year’s Mid Summer Classic.
That is why Bochy decided Doc will give the NL All Stars two innings of work in tomorrow night’s game in Arizona as his starting pitcher. Halladay was Charlie Manuel’s starter last season in the All-Star Game.
Earlier in the week, Phillies pitching coach made a comment about the heavy workload Halladay has already taken this season, being the league leader in innings pitched once again. He hinted at hoping Halladay would not pitch, and instead, Bochy go with Braves ace Jair Jurrjens. Jurrjens has a NL low 1.87 ERA to go with his NL high 12-3 record.
Dubee’s main concern was that it would be a health issue but both Halladay and Dubee agreed that two innings wouldn’t hurt the two-time Cy Young award winner, who is on pace for a third award.
“We both agree it’s not a health concern,” Halladay said. “It’s just making sure I’m fresh for the second half. As soon as things are over, we’ll assess how things went here and where to go from there. As long as we handle it on the back end, it’s not a health concern.”
More news after the jump…
HAMELS WON’T PITCH — As known by the rules, Cole Hamels will not pitch in the All-Star Game. Because he was a starter on Sunday, Hamels’ spot on the roster was vacated. Taking his spot is Pirates starter Kevin Correia.
Hamels can still participate in All-Star weekend and will be recognized as an All-Star.
Hamels is actually disappointed in not having the opportunity to pitch on Tuesday. He’s going to throw a side bull pen session on that anyway and figured why not let it be in the game itself.
“I need to find a catcher,” Hamels quipped. “Maybe I’ll get [Braves catcher Brian] McCann.”
PITCHING IN NY — The Phils return from the All-Star Break with a three-game set in New York.
Not worried about the possibility on pitching on Tuesday, Cliff Lee said he will be ready to go for the weekend series in New York. With that being said, Vance Worley, Hamels and Lee will be the pitchers this weekend.
TTB 