Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Will Smith wanted to be an All-Star. And, in his perfect season, of course he closed that job, too.
The Giants closer will be their representative in Cleveland on July 9, MLB announced Sunday during the Giants-Diamondbacks game at Oracle Park.
Smith, who has spoken about what an honor the nod would be, has earned it. He’s 21-for-21 in save opportunities, striking out 51 in 31 1/3 innings.
The Giants needed a rep, sure. But Smith, who will be going to his first Midsummer Classic, is deserving.
“He missed a lot of time. And I think as it gets further away, he’s gonna get stronger, and that’s what he’s showing this year,” Bruce Bochy said before the announcement of Smith, who missed all of the 2017 season after Tommy John surgery. “We’ve used him at times three in a row, and he still maintains his stuff. He’s just gotten better as a pitcher, making his pitches, couple different breaking balls he can throw at you. He can throw 94, both sides of the plate. He’s got everything.”