The Midsummer Classic is only a week away! Representing the Minnesota Twins will be a first time participant.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Jose Berríos has earned this opportunity. With Ervin Santana yet to make his 2018 debut, Berríos has stepped up in a major way for Minnesota.
Unfortunately, the team hasn’t experienced similar success and his performance has been wasted to this point of the season. However, Berríos has shown that he can fill the role of an ace for a pitching staff, giving hope for a quick turnaround for the Twins next season.
This achievement validates Minnesota’s belief in Berríos while he struggled with a 8.02 ERA during his debut season in 2016. He improved to a 3.89 ERA while showing flashes of what he has become during 25 starts last season. Berríos started the 2018 season strong and it has all culminated into his first All-Star appearance.
Looking at his performance
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As I mentioned, Berríos came out of the gates strong this season. He surrendered five earned runs, all in one game, and had a 1.63 ERA with 29 strikeouts and only one walk during his first four starts.
He scuffled a little bit after that with 23 earned runs and a 5.05 ERA over his next seven starts. However, he had 38 strikeouts across 41 innings pitched with only 12 walks during that span.
Berríos is 8-7 with a 3.53 earned run average in 18 starts this season. He has 114 strikeouts and only 26 walks across 114 1/3 innings pitched. His ability to limit walks is what has propelled Berríos into superstardom during this season.
There is no denying the fact that the Minnesota Twins have underachieved to this point of the season. However, Berríos has been spectacular each turn through the rotation, helping to keep Minnesota afloat.
The 24-year-old has been the epitome of an ace for this team all season and the Twins have needed it. He deserves the opportunity to pitch on the big stage in the nation’s capital next week Tuesday.
Next: Byron Buxton working his way back
This will be his first of what I suspect is many All-Star appearances. Berríos has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential. He has shown that he can, and will, lead this team into the future.