Cubs May Only Have One Player in All-Star Game

The Chicago Cubs had three players selected to the 2023 MLB All-Star Game in Seattle that will take place next Tuesday, but it’s beginning to look like only one north sider will actually be in the midsummer classic.

Dansby Swanson and Marcus Stroman were each honored with their second All-Star nomination of their respective careers, while 27-year-old Justin Steele earned his first nod as an All-Star. However, because of a couple different reasons, Steele might be the only Cubs player to play in this year’s All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park.

Stroman, who started Thursday’s series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers, said after the game that he will not be going to Seattle next week, opting instead to take a full break. Stroman, 32, pitched in the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico back in March, and he’s been the workhorse in the Cubs rotation through the first half. Stroman leads the Cubs pitching staff with 19 starts and 112.2 innings.

Via the Chicago Tribune.

Stroman confirmed Thursday what he had hinted at since the London Series, saying he doesn’t plan to pitch in the All-Star Game to “put a priority on my body and my mind.” He might not go to Seattle at all.

“I’m not sure, to be honest with you,” he said. “It’s been a lot since the (World Baseball Classic) coming into this year. I made every start, which I’m thankful for, grateful for (help from the training staff). … But I’m definitely looking forward to having a little bit of a break, just to restore my energy, clear my mind and have a good second half.”

After pitching seven shutout innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 20, Stroman has struggled in his last three starts. In London, the Cubs defense didn’t help, as a few misplays led to St. Louis Cardinals scoring six runs against Stroman on eight hits. Only three of the six runs were earned. Stroman then gave up five earned runs in 5.2 innings against the Cleveland Guardians last weekend at Wrigley Field and on Thursday the right-hander surrendered four earned runs in five innings to the Brewers.

Stroman did leave the game in London early because of a blister, so maybe that’s contributed to some of his struggles, but maybe it’s also a combination of hitting a wall in the middle of the season and a bit of regression. Stroman has been able to consistently work around trouble this year, but in his last few starts walks have come back to hurt him.

Stroman has a 9% walk rate so far in 2023. In his first season with the Cubs it finished at 6.3% and prior to this season it has never been above 8%.

Meanwhile, Swanson left during Wednesday’s game in Milwaukee with a heel injury and after sitting out Thursday’s game, the Cubs still aren’t sure if the shortstop will be good to go for their series this weekend against the New York Yankees.

Via the Chicago Tribune.

“It’s not anything we’ve really decided on yet,” he said, adding he would discuss it in New York. He also said the need to recharge is real.

“A tough schedule in terms of travel and rain delays and schedule changes and weird baseball times,” Swanson said. ‘But that’s obviously part of our job, something we get paid to do. We’re all grateful to be in this position, but there is that time where you get a few days to rest, relax and get ready for a great second half.”

Swanson has started 83 of the Cubs 86 games so far in 2023.

So, with Stroman already out and Swanson leaning towards not playing as well, Steele is looking like the lone representative for the Cubs in this year’s All-Star Game and the lefty might just get the starting nod for the National League.

After tossing his 11th quality start of the season on Wednesday against the Brewers, Steele remains a strong candidate to earn the All-Star Game start with his 2.56 ERA through 16 starts. Atlanta Braves starter Bryce Elder is the current NL leader with a 2.45 ERA, but he’s scheduled to pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw, who is second in the NL with a 2.55 ERA, is on the 15-day injured list with shoulder soreness.

Claude Passeau is the only pitcher in Cubs history to start an All-Star Game. The right-handed pitcher did it in 1946.