Bochy reveals NL pitching plan for All-Star Game
Hometown hero Harvey set to go for two innings before handing off to Kershaw
NEW YORK -- National League manager Bruce Bochy revealed his pitching plans for Tuesday night's All-Star Game in a pregame interview with MLB Network Radio.
Bochy said he intends to let NL starter Matt Harvey throw two innings in front of his home crowd at Citi Field. Harvey will be followed by three lefties: Los Angeles' Clayton Kershaw, Arizona's Patrick Corbin and Philadelphia's Cliff Lee. After that, Bochy will hand the ball to the NL relievers.
"I don't have the order down," Bochy added. "We have the guys we're going to use, but [it depends] on who's coming up."
Bochy's options in the bullpen will consist of right-handers Jason Grilli of the Pirates, the Braves' Craig Kimbrel, the Giants' Sergio Romo and the Pirates' Mark Melancon along with Reds left-hander Aroldis Chapman. Assuming Bochy sticks to that plan, Giants southpaw Madison Bumgarner, Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez and Cubs lefty Travis Wood will be held back to pitch if the game goes to extra innings.
"The game has changed a little bit, with the meaning of the game. I go back to '99 in Boston, the priority to get all the guys in there was probably as much as winning the game. Now, there's a lot at stake here," Bochy said. "We're the beneficiaries of what happened the last three years with the National League winning the All-Star Game. We know how important this is."
Bochy told MLB Network Radio that he didn't plan to keep anyone in for the whole game, though he would let Mets third baseman David Wright do so if he asked for the opportunity. However, Bochy said he also wants to give Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez a chance to take the field.
"I'd like to get Alvarez in there. He was voted in by the players," Bochy said. "[Wright] is one guy that may go a little bit longer than the rest."