Oakland Athletics’ Sonny Gray Deserves All-Star Nod
Many All-Star discussions surrounding the Oakland Athletics have to do with the fact that the voting system is not accurate and that a handful of position players should be higher in the voting ranks. The Athletics have numerous players who should make the American League All-Star team due to their personal successes this season. Despite their losing record, individual players have exceeded expectations including catcher Stephen Vogt and outfielder Josh Reddick, but they will not make the All-Star team on fan votes alone.
However, there has not many much talk about which starting pitchers and relievers will make the All-Star rosters. With the game now just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about who will be pitching for the American League in the All-Star Game. One Athletics pitcher who really should be making the AL All-Star team is 25-year-old ace Sonny Gray.
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Gray earned the distinction this season as the Athletics number one starting pitcher. His performances in 2013 and 2014 demonstrated that Gray would not only be a quality pitcher, but that he would be the team’s ace even at such a young age. This year, Gray has once again improved his game and has become one of the MLB’s best starters.
Right now, Gray is second in the AL for ERA with a 2.09 and is in a five-way tie for the second for most wins. Additionally, he is in the top ten among pitchers in the Major Leagues for WHIP and ERA. Even when Gray is having an “off” day, he still is able to pitch well and win.
On May 3, Gray geared up for a game against the Texas Rangers down in Arlington. It was clear from the start that Gray was not throwing his best stuff. By the time he exited in the sixth inning, Gray had walked a total of seven batters. However, he also struck out a ten, which is still a season high for Gray, allowed only two hits, and no runs. This game just goes to show that Gray may have been struggling on the mound, but he was still able to grind out a win for his team.
Even though Gray is young, he does not let anyone intimidate him. When he is on the mound, he has a bulldog mentality. Let’s not forget to mention that Gray had a no-hitter up until the eighth inning on Opening Day at the O.Co Coliseum. To be able to almost pitch a no-hitter in the first game of the entire season is the definition of handling pressure well in additional to displaying a true and natural pitching talent. He would be a great choice for the American League as a starter for the All-Star Game.
However, Gray is slated to start Tuesday against the New York Yankees. This would also mean that he would start Sunday against the Cleveland Indians and would not be eligible to pitch in the All-Star game. Despite this, Gray should still earn the All-Star nod and make the American League team. Even though he will not get to pitch, he will still make the roster and be able to participate in all of the All-Star Game festivities. Gray deserves this distinction and has certainly earned it this season.