St. Louis Cardinals’ Matt Holliday to replace Yadier Molina in All-Star Game – MLB News
The St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday on Friday, July 6, expressed his pleasure, acknowledging being honoured as he was named to replace Yadier Molina in the All-Star Game.
Molina headed back to Puerto Rico as his wife's grandfather had passed away.
The decision came after Tony La Russa, the National League All-Star manager named him to replace Yadier Molina.
Molina was put in the bereavement list by the team on Friday.
It remains beyond a doubt that in the absence of Molina, it was Holliday who was the most deserving substitute in the NL All-Star team. This obviously is a matter of great pride for the young player.
“It's always an honor and a pleasure to be part of it," Holliday said. "Whatever the circumstances, obviously I feel for Yadi, but I'm privileged to be part of the game and part of the All-Star team."
Such has been his performance this season, especially after June 16 – batting at a .500 average with 21 RBIs and four homers to his credit in 34-for-68. This is why the team manager rightly says Holliday deserves to be there.
"He deserved to be there. I think that's really the end of the story," Cardinals' manager Mike Matheny said. "He's an All-Star-caliber player in an All-Star-caliber year. I'm really happy for Matt, especially how he's made a strong push here."
With on-base percentage of .549, not to mention the .824 slugging percentage, there is a lot that this player can justifiably take pride in. While Yadier Molina’s absence will be felt in the team, Holliday remains the best choice to replace him after the unforeseen tragedy that the former witnessed.
As to what is the secret of remaining such a consistent player, Holliday thinks the formula is simple. "I think when you keep it real simple and real day to day, you're much more likely to put a couple weeks, months, a season together," Holliday said.
With the little adjustments that Holliday has recently made, there is huge improvement that one can easily see in his hitting and the consistent performance that is allowing the team to have more space for manoeuvrability.
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