Red Sox’ Matt Barnes, J.D. Martinez, Nathan Eovaldi selected as All-Stars

Matt Barnes knew it was a possibility that he would be an All-Star after putting together a dominant first half, but the Red Sox closer didn’t know for sure until Sunday.

The moment came Sunday morning in Oakland, as the Red Sox held a team meeting prior to their series finale against the A’s. Manager Alex Cora revealed in front of the team that Barnes, J.D. Martinez and Nathan Eovaldi will be heading to Denver next week as All-Stars.

“Just a wild moment, honestly,” Barnes said.

Barnes, Martinez and Eovaldi will join Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers, who were named starters on Thursday, to make five Red Sox All-Stars, the most the team has had since six were selected in 2008. It’s Barnes and Eovaldi’s first career All-Star nods, and Martinez’s fourth.

Barnes, primarily a setup man prior to this year, won the job as the Red Sox closer out of spring training and has run away with it as one of the best relievers in the American League. With a new approach to attacking the strike zone, the 32-year-old is having a breakout season with 18 saves, second most in the AL, and 61 strikeouts to nine walks.

He said he called his wife, parents and brother after learning the news and that they’re ecstatic to make the trip to Denver and join him.

“It’s incredible,” Barnes said. “This is one of the things that everybody wishes that they could get to take part in, wishes they could get to be on the All-Star team. It’s super exciting. I’m really, really happy. Obviously very fortunate and looking forward to the few days out there.”

Barnes is also excited to be joined by a pitching teammate. Eovaldi’s selection might have been a surprise, but the right-hander has been consistent at the top of the Red Sox’ starting rotation, posting a 9-4 record, 3.41 ERA and 2.55 FIP (second in AL). Most importantly, the 31-year-old with a troubled injury history is staying healthy.

“It’s a big thing for me, for sure, being able to play in the All-Star Game and represent the Red Sox,” Eovaldi said. “For me, it’s a big contribution to the training staff, the Red Sox in general. I’ve had a hard time staying healthy in my career and this year I’ve been able to stay healthy so far. …

“I’m kind of at a loss for words. I’m very excited though. I’m very honored to be in this situation.”

Both Barnes and Eovaldi said they’re happy to being going together as they try to navigate their first All-Star Game together.

“There might not be a person on this team that works as hard as that guy,” Barnes said of Eovaldi. “He’s in the weight room, he’s taking everything seriously. Video work, catch work. Always trying to get better and it’s super exciting. I went up to him and I said I’m really happy that we have another pitcher on the team that I can kind of figure out what we’re doing, where we’re going and what we’re supposed to be doing out there, kind of do all that together. …

“It’s going to be awesome. He’s incredibly deserving. He’s putting together an absolutely phenomenal year, he’s been an absolute horse for us in the rotation and super excited for him.”

Martinez was a finalist for the AL’s starting nod at designated hitter, finishing second to Shohei Ohtani, so his selection comes as no surprise. Entering Sunday, he was slashing .303/.369/.557 with 17 homers and 56 RBI as he’s continued to prove that his poor performance during last year’s shortened season was an anomaly.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3dGjUg6