Ranking The National League Pitchers For The 2014 MLB All-Star Game

By Max Zelenko

Ranking The National League Pitchers For The 2014 MLB All-Star Game

MLB All-Star Game — With MLB all-star rosters recently announced, it is pretty evident that the National League is going to have their work cut out for them if they want one of their teams gaining home-field advantage for the World Series. Top to bottom, the American League has a distinct advantage, possibly with an exception at some of the pitching spots. Here are the rankings of pitchers on the NL squad participating in the Midsummer Classic.

13. Tyson Ross, San Diego Padres

Tyson Ross Padres

13. Tyson Ross, San Diego Padres

Tyson Ross Padres — The lone Padre heading to Minnesota has received minimal run support this season. However, with a 2.93 ERA combined with the rule that one player from every team needs to be part of this game, Ross is deserving of his first all-star bid.

12. Pat Neshek, St. Louis Cardinals

Pat Neshek Cardinals

12. Pat Neshek, St. Louis Cardinals

Pat Neshek Cardinals — At 33-years-old, Neshek is appearing in his first all-star game and it is much deserved. Sporting a 2.00 ERA, Neshek has been a gem for St. Louis in 2014.

11. Tony Watson, Pittsburgh Pirates

Tony Watson Pirates

11. Tony Watson, Pittsburgh Pirates

Tony Watson Pirates — Another first timer, Watson has been almost unhittable with a 0.89 ERA. The fact that the NL selected a couple relief pitchers who are not closers could prove beneficial for them if the game is close in the later innings.

10. Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves

Julio Teheran Braves

10. Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves

Julio Teheran Braves — Teheran is an extremely deserving selection, after taking Jeff Samardzija’s spot. His 8-5 record, 2.29 ERA, and 108 strikeouts are easily the reason why he was picked for his first all-star game. The 23-year-old should be back in this game for years to come.

9. Jordan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

Jordan Zimmerman Nationals

9. Jordan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

Jordan Zimmerman Nationals — Making his second consecutive all-star appearance, Zimmerman is a big reason why the Nationals are in the thick of things in the NL East.

8. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers

Francisco Rodriguez Brewers

8. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers

Francisco Rodriguez Brewers — Everybody loves a good redemption story, and this guy is a perfect example of one. Believe it or not, this will be Rodriguez’s fifth all-star game, but first since 2009.

7. Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants

Madison Bumgarner Giants

7. Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants

Madison Bumgarner Giants — Appearing in his second straight Midsummer Classic, he was voted in as a result of his performance from May and June. Going 7-2 during those two months, Bumgarner needs to get back to that type of play if the Giants want to be competing for the World Series.

6. Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

Aroldis Chapman Reds

6. Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

Aroldis Chapman Reds — After taking a liner to the face in spring training, Chapman has rebounded nicely. He has 17 saves, in limited action.

5. Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds

Johnny Cueto Reds

5. Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds

Johnny Cueto Reds — One of the most underrated players in baseball, Cueto is extremely deserving of his first all-star bid. He hasn’t had an ERA over 3.00 for four seasons and is at a 1.99 ERA thus far in 2014.

4. Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers

Zack Greinke Dodgers

4. Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers

Zack Greinke Dodgers — The Dodgers are getting their money’s worth from Greinke. This will be his second all-star game, and first since 2009.

3. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

Craig Kimbrel Braves

3. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

Craig Kimbrel Braves — If the NL have a lead in the ninth inning, Kimbrel will be given the ball to try and solidify home-field advantage for the National League.

2. Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals

Adam Wainwright Cardinals

2. Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals

Adam Wainwright Cardinals — Entering his third all-star game, Wainwright will be in contention to start at Target Field, partly as a result of his manager being at the helm for the NL.

1. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw Dodgers

1. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw Dodgers — Arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Kershaw is the likely candidate to start for the National League. He is currently on a ridiculous 36 inning scoreless streak.

Share On Facebook

Share