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MLB All-Star Game 2015: 5 Biggest Snubs – NL

By Will Osgood

May 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly (8) relieves starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly (8) relieves starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez (18) follows through on a pitch in the seventh inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Cardinals won 4-3.Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez (18) follows through on a pitch in the seventh inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Cardinals won 4-3.Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

SP Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have outperformed their overall talent level this season, winning more games than anyone in baseball at this point and are on pace to win 106 games. One big reason has been their pitching. Starter Michael Wacha and closer Trevor Rosenthal were rewarded with All-Star Game nods, and deservedly so.

But unfortunately for Carlos Martinez he was snubbed. He’s struck out more than nine hitters per nine innings–9.5–with a 1.25 WHIP. The WHIP does not compare to the other pitchers on this list. Nor does his FIP, 3.57.

But Martinez is a flamethrower and the kind of guy who would be perfect for a mid-game relief appearance to work an inning if need be (remember his work in the 2013 postseason out of the bullpen when it became obvious he was destined for potential greatness?).

Martinez may not be a “star” yet, but he’s certainly on his way.

Martinez is a more understandable snub than the two pitchers listed here ahead of him, even with his nine wins and 2.70 ERA. But as those numbers still seem to have some pull in the process, it is at least mildly surprising Martinez did not garner an immediate All-Star nod.

Next: A couple position players

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