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MLB All-Star Game 2015: Dallas Keuchel and Zack Greinke named starting pitchers

By Kyle Franzoni

Jun 28, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) throws against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) throws against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The starting pitchers for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game were named on Monday.

The starting pitcher slots at the MLB All-Star Game don’t always go to the best starters in both the American and National League. Sometimes they go to the best available arms entering the midsummer break. Such was the case when the starters for Tuesday’s All-Star Game were named on Monday afternoon.

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I just don’t think anyone is going to argue with the selections.

According to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News, Dallas Keuchel and Zack Greinke have been named the starters for the American League and National League respectively.

The top pitcher in the American League, at least as far as WAR is concerned – and perhaps sheer dominance – has been Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox. However, Sale last started on Saturday and the White Sox have asked him to sit out of the game. While Sale has not yet declined the invite, American League manager Ned Yost has instead opted to give the ball to Dallas Keuchel of the Houston Astros.

Keuchel is no slouch either. After breaking out with a 12-9 record, a 2.93 ERA, a 3.21 FIP, and a solid 3.04 K/BB ratio in 2014, the Astros lefty had followed that up with a much better campaign in 2015. In 137.1 innings of work this season, Keuchel owns an 11-4 record, a 2.23 ERA, a 2.82 FIP, and a 3.35 K/BB mark. This will be the first All-Star Game for Keuchel.

He’ll be opposed by Zack Greinke of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who currently leads all of baseball with a 1.39 ERA, the lowest at the All-Star break since the mound height was lowered after the 1968 season. Greinke’s peripherals also back-up his microscopic ERA, with a 2.65 FIP, a ERA+ of 265, and a 5.30 K/BB ratio. Greinke last started on July 9th, when he extended his scoreless innings streak to 35.2 innings, putting him 24 innings behind current record holder, Orel Hershiser. This will be his third All-Star Game.

In getting the start, Greinke beats out Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals and fellow Dodgers Clayton Kershaw. Scherzer last started on Sunday and was replaced on the roster by Kershaw.

The pair will toe the rubber against each other on Tuesday night in Cincinnati, Ohio. The game will be broadcast live starting at 7:00pm Eastern Time on Fox

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