Major League Baseball announced the rosters for the All-Star Game on Sunday afternoon with a few surprises. One of those surprises is San Diego Padres right-hander Tyson Ross, who was selected by National League manager Mike Matheny to represent the NL in next week's Midseason Classic in Minneapolis.
Ross, 27, is in the midst of his finest season as a professional. While his 6-7 record is not impressive, he is currently 11th in the National League with a 2.93 ERA. Ross also ranks in the top ten in the National League in strikeouts and innings pitched.
The move comes as a bit of a surprise, as it seemed that Padres closer Huston Street would have been the Padres representative, as he has been one of the most dominant closers in the National League. However, Matheny recognized the stable force that Ross has evolved into.
Padres ace Andrew Cashner has had two stints on the disabled list and costless agent Josh Johnson never threw a pitch for the club. Ross has been the Padres best pitcher all year long. Ross was acquired by San Diego last year in exchange for two minor leaguers.
Ross is scheduled to pitch next Sunday, so he might not be eligible to play in the game but can attend the festivities. Either way, Ross has proven that he belongs with the great pitchers in today's game.