A year ago, Matt Capps had an ERA over 5.00 and Washington was home to baseball’s worst bullpen. On Sunday, Capps found out he’d be one of five relievers representing the National League at next week’s All-Star Game in Anaheim.
Pending the results of baseball’s “Final Vote,” he could be the only National who takes part in the game. No Zimmerman. No Strasburg. Just Capps.
The 26-year-old has led the NL in saves most of the first half of the season.
“It means a lot,” Capps said about being named an All-Star. “Every time you take the field you want to be one of the best. For me to be recognized by baseball, and by the players, is a very humbling and exciting time.”
Capps, who’s saved 22 games, leads the league in games finished. The first-year National is also only five saves from tying his career high, and he’s sporting his lowest ERA (3.19) since 2007.
A dependable Pittsburgh Pirate for the past five seasons, several contending clubs passed on Capps this winter. But Washington thought he could be the antidote for its ninth-inning dilemma.
They thought right.
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“I’ve just been able to keep the baseball down and throw strikes,” Capps said about his most successful half-season in the majors.
“I’ve let the guys work behind me, too. There’s been a lot of very good defense played behind me, and that’s part of my game. For me to be successful I’ve got to attack the strike zone and let [hitters] put it in play,” Capps said.
One reason for Capps’ career year is improved command. Capps -- who boasts a fastball/slider combination lethal enough to make any pitching coach salivate -- has issued just seven free passes in 36.2 innings.
But impressive stats aren’t all Capps provides the Nationals.
He’s also been a great mentor for setup men Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen. Storen calls Capps the “leader of the relievers” and a “deserving All-Star.”
Capps celebrated his inaugural All-Star Game nomination with his teammates at a July 4 party thrown by Ryan Zimmerman.
The next party he’ll take part in will be in Los Angeles.
“It’ll be fun for the couple days I’m out there. I’ll try to enjoy it and soak it all in,” Capps said. “But come Tuesday, I’m going to try to help the National League get home-field advantage.”
