Bruce Bochy, the manager of the National League All-Star team, made a bold decision in choosing Corbin Burnes as the starting pitcher for this year’s All-Star Game. Many fans and analysts were surprised by this choice, as Burnes is not a household name like some of the other pitchers on the roster. However, Bochy had his reasons for selecting Burnes, and they speak to his strategic thinking and understanding of the game.

One of the main reasons Bochy chose Burnes as the starting pitcher is his impressive performance so far this season. Burnes has been dominant on the mound, posting a 2.23 ERA and striking out 140 batters in just 96 innings pitched. His command and control have been exceptional, and he has consistently kept hitters off balance with his mix of pitches. Bochy clearly sees Burnes as a pitcher who can give the National League team a strong start and set the tone for the game.

Another factor that likely played into Bochy’s decision is Burnes’ ability to go deep into games. Burnes has shown that he can pitch deep into games and give his team a chance to win. This is crucial in an All-Star Game, where managers want to avoid using too many pitchers and wearing out their bullpen. By starting Burnes, Bochy can be confident that he will get a solid outing from his starter and not have to rely as heavily on his relievers.

Additionally, Burnes’ pitching style may have factored into Bochy’s decision. Burnes is known for his aggressive approach on the mound, attacking hitters with a mix of fastballs, sliders, and changeups. This style of pitching can be effective in an All-Star Game, where hitters are often looking to swing early in the count and make something happen. Burnes’ ability to keep hitters off balance and induce weak contact could give the National League team an edge in the game.

Overall, Bruce Bochy’s decision to start Corbin Burnes in the All-Star Game was a calculated one based on Burnes’ performance, durability, and pitching style. While some may have been surprised by this choice, Bochy clearly sees Burnes as a pitcher who can give his team the best chance to win. It will be interesting to see how Burnes performs in this high-pressure situation and if he can live up to Bochy’s expectations.