WASHINGTON — Washington Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann has been named to the National League All-Star team for the second year in a row.
Major League Baseball announced the 2014 All-Star Game rosters Sunday, which included the right-hander who has gone 6-4 with a 2.79 ERA in 18 starts this season.
“It’s a huge honor. I’m excited,” Zimmermann said in a news release.
“I wouldn’t be going if it wasn’t for those guys who play defense behind me every day and our catchers calling the pitches. I don’t have high strikeout numbers. I let the batter put it in play. Those guys make the plays behind me. As much as it’s me going, it actually those guys, too.”
Zimmermann was the only Nationals player to make the All-Star Team.
He is frustrated that some of his skilled teammates — including closer Rafael Soriano — didn’t make the roster, according to a news release from the Nationals.
“There are some guys who are deserving — Soriano being one of them. He is having a great year,” Zimmermann said in the release.
Soriano has a 1.03 ERA and 21 saves in 23 opportunities.
Infielder Anthony Rendon still has a shot at making the team through the MLB Final Vote. Fans can vote online to add him to the roster.
Fans have until Thursday at 4 p.m. to votes from a list of five players from each league, which will complete the 34-man roster.
Nationals Manager Matt Williams told the team about Zimmermann’s achievement before Sunday’s game against the Cubs, in which Zimmermann pitched six scoreless innings. The Nats topped the Cubs, 2-1.
“It’s a special thing, so he will have a lot of fun,” Williams said in the release. “Anytime a player gets to go and be a part of that, it’s a special time. We are looking forward to seeing him compete. We are proud of him and he deserves it.”
Zimmermann earned a spot on the All-Star team in 2013, but didn’t play because of a neck injury.
View the full roster on MLB’s website.
Watch a video of some of the All-Star game snubs:
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