An All-Star Is An All-Star No Matter The Spot On The Depth Chart

Know how many “all stars” passed on playing in this game for the Pirates to get three in there?

For the first time since the Pirates’ early-1990s heyday, the National League will have three Pittsburgh players on its roster in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Pitcher Joel Hanrahan is perfect in 26 save opportunities this year, and he broke the Pirates’ record for consecutive save opportunities converted.

Outfielder Andrew McCutchen has a .291 batting average, .390 on-base percentage and .505 slugging percentage, with 14 home runs and 54 RBI. He has also stolen 15 bases.

McCutchen was added to the NL All-Star roster as an injury replacement for Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, who was voted as a starter by fans.

Pitcher Kevin Correia is 11-7 with a .270 ERA and one complete game. He was chosen as a replacement for Philadelphia’s Cole Hamels, who became ineligible when he pitched for the Phillies on Sunday.

The last time Pittsburgh had three All-Stars was 1990, when outfielders Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonilla and pitcher Neal Heaton were on the team.

You know what? I’m not going to be a party pooper. They have been playing hard all season. Let ’em enjoy this one.