Leading up to the announcement of All-Star Game rosters, the Los Angeles Dodgers figured to have a strong presence even with the likelihood the team with the best record in the National League would go without a starter.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expected his club to have six All-Stars, but the initial return produced just four — Cody Bellinger, Kenley Jansen, Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager. That’s grown to included Justin Turner and Alex Wood, however. Turner won the Final Vote and Wood is replacing Kershaw, who won’t be available due to pitching on Sunday.
“I’m really, really excited. It’s definitely the coolest thing that’s happened to me in my career,” Wood said Friday.
“It still hasn’t completely sunk in yet. I’m sure once I step on the field and I’m around all those guys on Monday, I’ll start to get a lot more emotion. I’m very humbled by it.”
Wood was informed of his All-Star nod on Sunday, which required him to safeguard the information until Major League Baseball made an official announcement one day later. Wood was able to share the information with those close to him.
“I called my fiancée first. Even if I didn’t, I’d probably tell you I did,” Wood joked. On the surface, the 26-year-old was a lock to make the NL roster.
Beginning the season in the bullpen and then spending time on the disabled list complicated matters. “I was pretty disheartened when I didn’t make it originally,” Wood said.
More from Wood's interview… pic.twitter.com/5mUWHWJDff
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) July 7, 2017
“I knew there was still a chance, so I tried to control what I could control and stay focused on that. I started in the bullpen so I didn’t have as many innings as a lot of guys. It kind of makes you wonder at what point does quality trump quantity? I guess I was right on that line.”
Wood became the first Dodgers starting pitcher to open a season 10-0 since Don Newcombe did so in 1955. If he had enough innings to qualify, Wood’s 1.67 ERA would lead the Majors. Now bound for Miami, the initial disappointment has given way to gratitude and excitement.
“It’s something you dream of when you’re a kid, pretend you’re an All-Star in the backyard and all that,” Wood said. “For it come to fruition now, it’s hard to put it into words. I feel really fortunate. It’s a great honor.”
As for Roberts, who was critical of the All-Star Game voting process, he was pleased with the end result, even with the Dodgers needing some good fortune on their side.
“I’m elated. I think that’s (six All-Stars) the way it should be,” Roberts said. “I’m happy for those six individuals, they all deserve it.”
