Bochy happy for AL All-Star Pence
SAN FRANCISCO » Hunter Pence, the 36-year- old Texas Rangers designated hitter, will start the 2019 All-Star Game.
Pence, who last played in the All- Star Game in 2014, was the leading vote-getter among American League designated hitter candidates as he earned the fourth All- Star selection of his 13-year major league career.
The selection marks a seminal moment in an incredible comeback story for Pence, who did not receive any major league contract offers this winter after hitting .226 in his final season with the San Francisco Giants.
“I think that’s what great athletes can do,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. “They find a way to find
their game again and at his age, to find that so called fountain of youth again and play the way he did a few years ago, that’s really impressive.”
Pence’s five-year, $90 million contract with the Giants expired at the end of the 2018 season. Few clubs, including the Giants, believed Pence would find future success in the major leagues, but he has defied the odds and overcome doubts in an impressive season with the Rangers.
Pence’s 15 home runs are his most since he hit 20 in 2014 and his .962 OPS is the highest mark of his major league career.
The Giants honored Pence on the final day of the 2018 regular season, celebrating his career in a way that essentially closed the door on a potential reunion in 2019.
“I want to still play,” Pence said after his last game with the Giants. “It’s uncertain. Hopefully I can find an opportunity and I’m going to look for it and do everything I can to be the best I can and come back because I want to come back and contribute to another playoff run.”
After battling injuries and inconsistencies at the plate over his final seasons with the Giants, Pence spent the offseason overhauling his swing and even traveled down to the Dominican Republic to test out his new approach in winter ball.
His efforts were rewarded with a minor league contract offer from the Texas Rangers, who invited him to spring training and gave him a spot on their 25-man Opening Day roster.
“He went down to winter ball and worked his tail off,” Bochy said. “He’s got enough money, he didn’t need to do that. We talked about his passion for the game and how hungry he always stays and for him to get it turned around and to have the type of season he’s having, it’s well- deserved.”
Pence is on the Rangers’ 10day injured list with a groin injury, but it’s likely he’ll return in time to start the All- Star Game on July 9 in Cleveland. Unless Astros pitcher Justin Verlander is selected to start on the mound for the American League, it’s possible Pence will be the oldest player to start this year’s Midsummer Classic.
His accomplishment is a testament to his self-belief, as most executives around the league believed his days as a productive player had come to an end.
“I couldn’t be happier for Hunter,” Bochy said. “What he did this winter, you’re talking about a guy who was determined to find his swing, change his swing.”
No Giants players were named All-Star Game starters, but closer Will Smith is the odds-on favorite to represent the club on the National League All-Star team. All-Star pitchers and reserves will be announced Sunday.
• Center fielder Steven Duggar (lower back tightness) could begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento as soon as Saturday. The Giants plan to give Duggar enough time to regain his rhythm at the plate before bringing him back to the 25-man roster.
• First baseman Brandon Belt hit second behind second baseman Donovan Solano in Thursday’s game against the Diamondbacks, but Bochy said the trial period for Belt as a leadoff hitter is not yet over. The Giants faced lefty Alex Young in his major league debut Thursday, and Bochy said Belt will return to the top of the order when the club faces a right-handed starter.
• Outfielder Alex Dickerson is receiving his first day off since joining the Giants. Bochy indicated he doesn’t want to wear Dickerson out and indicated he’s available to come off the bench if needed.