Harvey, Scherzer named All-Star game starters

NEW YORK — The first and last pitch of the All-Star game could well be “New York, New York.”

Young ace Matt Harvey of the Mets will start for the National League on his home mound. Mariano Rivera, in his final season, may well finish for the AL.

“Having the opportunity to take the ball is something I’ll never forget,” Harvey said Monday.

On July 16 last year, Harvey was pitching for Triple-A Buffalo against Toledo before 5,885 fans at Coca-Cola Field. On Tuesday night, he’ll be starting against Detroit’s Max Scherzer in front of a sellout crowd at Citi Field and a worldwide television audience.

At 24, Harvey is the youngest All-Star starting pitcher since the Mets’ Dwight Gooden in 1988, when he was 23. Harvey will be the first pitcher from the host team to start an All-Star game since Houston’s Roger Clemens in 2004 and just the 11th overall.

“It really wouldn’t have mattered what city we were playing in with the year that he’s had, the impressive numbers that he’s put up,” said San Francisco’s Bruce Bochy,” the NL manager. “He would have been the starting pitcher.”

Harvey, 7-2 with a 2.35 ERA and an NL-high 147 strikeouts, has made 29 major league starts — the fewest for an All-Star starter since Hideo Nomo with 13 in 1995. Big league hitters can’t stop talking about his heater.

His fastball velocity of 95.2 mph is 0.1 mph behind Washington’s Stephen Strasburg, the major league leader this year, according to fangraphs.com. Harvey throws the hardest slider and curve in the majors, and he ranks second in swinging strikes at 12.7 percent, just behind Texas’ Yu Darvish (13.3) and ahead of Scherzer (12.3).

“He’s a power guy that attacks hitters,” said Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer, a two-time AL batting champion. “He has four above-average pitches.”

Scherzer, 28, had the most dominant first half in a quarter-century, in terms of wins. His 13-0 record before Saturday’s loss to Texas was the most wins in a perfect start since Clemens won his first 14 decisions in 1986.

Detroit’s Justin Verlander was the AL starter and loser last year. Scherzer (13-1, 3.10 ERA) joins him to become the first pitchers from the same club to start consecutive All-Star games since Arizona’s Randy Johnson (2000-01) and Curt Schilling (2002).

“We go throughout the season and we see guys who absolutely deal, and for skipper to give me the nod over those guys just means so much to me,” Scherzer said as he sat next to Tigers manager Jim Leyland, who will pilot the American League squad.

Rivera, at 43 the oldest All-Star this year, sat in Jackie Robinson Rotunda not far from a large blue sculpture of Robinson’s “42” — fitting given that the number was retired for all teams in 1997 on the 50th anniversary of the day Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier. Rivera, grandfathered in, will be the last major leaguer to have that number on his back.

With 30 saves in 32 chances and a 1.83 ERA in his farewell season for the New York Yankees, Rivera is still the best.

“I think it would be probably the most beautiful touch in the world if we could somehow get a lead on the National League and play the ninth inning with the greatest closer of all-time coming out of the bullpen,” Leyland said.

If not?

“You can rest assured, he will be on the mound at some point and you will see him pitch, whether it be to a hitter, an inning,” Leyland said. “You will see No. 42 pitch.”

A 13-time All-Star, still slender but his short-cropped hair receded, Rivera has thrown eight scoreless innings in All-Star games and has a record four saves.

“It’s not emotional yet,” he said. “Now, that could change by tomorrow.”

The managers also announced their starting lineups Monday.

Bochy’s batting order for the NL has Cincinnati second baseman Brandon Phillips leading off, followed by St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran, Reds first baseman Joey Votto, Mets third baseman David Wright, Colorado left fielder Carlos Gonzalez, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado designated hitter Michael Cuddyer and Washington center fielder Bryce Harper.

In the AL, Leyland has the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout in left field and leading off, followed by New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano, Detroit third baseman Miguel Cabrera, Baltimore first baseman Chris Davis, Toronto right fielder Jose Bautista, Boston designated hitter David Ortiz, Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer and Baltimore shortstop J.J. Hardy.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.