Mike Rizzo says Bryce Harper can still appear in All-Star Game despite losing in ‘Final Vote’ – MLB
Outfielder Bryce Harper failed to draw enough support from the fans as he was not elected for the All-Star team in the ‘Final Vote’ balloting on Thursday. However, the Washington Nationals’ General Manager Mike Rizzo believes that he still can play the game,
in light of the fact that some of the players registered for the day are on the brink of sustaining injuries.
First in this respect is the Miami Marlins’ right-fielder Giancarlo Stanton, who has a sore knee, which has not healed yet. Inability to recover from it anytime soon will result in declaration of his replacement.
Since Harper has been in top-notch form in the season just like Stanton, he can make a strong case for being taken by the authorities in his place.
Nobody will be surprised in Harper is named as a possible replacement for one of the other All-Stars. The fans will be excited to see if he is included in the roster as a possible alternative for some of the other players that might not make it to the festivities.
Rizzo stated that election of Harper was to be a great achievement for the club. With four of their players featuring in the ASG, it will be an honour.
Meanwhile, he asserts, Harper will be in line of those players who can fetch a spot as soon as injuries to some All-Stars are reported.
“It doesn’t affect me,” Rizzo said. “We would have had no problem with Harp going to the game, playing the game. It would have been an honor for us to have another National in there. Who knows? A couple injuries and maybe he will be. I think he’d aid the
National League in winning the game. I think he can do some things that help you win a game. When the game counts, that’s important nowadays. Him having the four days off doesn’t bother me one bit, either.”
The General Manager was of the view that Harper can be a utility player for the National League and can help them in winning the game against the American League.
As the date of the All-Star game approaches, one can expect slight changes in the National League All-Star roster. It will be interesting to know whether Harper is going to have its name on it or not.
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