Teheran: Heading To 2016 MLB All-Star Game

Teheran (AP Photo:Chris O'Meara)
2016 All-Star Pitcher Julio Teheran – (AP Photo:Chris O’Meara)

On Tuesday night, Major League Baseball unveiled the 2016 All-Star teams, and to no surprise, Julio Teheran is the Braves lone representative. On paper, some may wonder why Teheran, at 3-7 is deserving of the nod. But, this is a classic example of why wins and losses can be extremely deceiving. Playing for a club that only has 28 wins in 84 chances, Teheran hasn’t exactly been getting an overwhelming amount of run support. As of July 1st, there were 74 MLB pitchers that had posted a higher ERA than Julio, but also featured more wins. “I am honored to be selected to the All-Star team. This is a goal of mine coming into every season and I’m very excited to be chosen for the second time” Teheran said through a statement on Tuesday. Julio flew back to Atlanta early Monday to get treatment on an infected ingrown hair on his right leg. He was scratched from Wednesday’s start but the club says they hope we can make one final start before the Break this weekend in Chicago. “I would like to express my appreciation to the Atlanta Braves, to my coaches and teammates and to all the Braves fans for their support and for believing in me” Teheran added.

2016 MLB All Star Link
Click For More Info On Teheran’s All-Star Selection

Teheran’s best start of the season came on June 19th, when he went the distance, tossing a one-hit, complete game shutout. Had it not been for a single in the third by Michael Conforto, Teheran would have entered the record books with a Perfect Game. In fact, in 17 starts this season, Teheran has allowed two earned runs or fewer in 11 of those outings. In fact, if you add in last September, Teheran has now allowed two earned or less in 17 of his previous 22 trips to the mound. His ERA over that span ranks as fourth lowest in the Majors among starters with at least 110 innings pitched.

As Teheran’s successful season has played out, it’s become only natural for his name to pop up in trade speculation. The Braves have made it pretty clear that it would take a kings’ ransom to ship Teheran out in a trade, which leads me to believe he will NOT be moved prior to the Trading Deadline in a few weeks. The Braves have made it a point that their rebuild is centered around starting pitching. With Teheran under contract for another three seasons and $24 million, it makes all the sense in the world to keep him as the staff’s ace and continue to build around him. Looking into the crystal ball, I see him making that Opening Day start next April when the Braves move into their new home at SunTrust Park.

Kevin McAlpin covers the Braves for the @BravesRadioNet. Follow Kevin on Twitter @KevinMcAlpin

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