Keuchel excited to start All-Star Game on behalf of AL, Astros
Lefty Dallas Keuchel's remarkable season got even better on Monday when it was officially announced that he'd be starting for the American League in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14. Zack Greinke of the Los Angeles Dodgers was announced as the NL representative.
The Houston Astros ace, experiencing the best season of his young career at 11-4 with a 2.23 ERA, has been a key contributor in the club's efforts to graduate from 'also-ran' to legitimate threat in the playoff picture.
As quoted by MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, Keuchel comes across as very honored by the decision made by Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost and his staff: "It's definitely very exciting. I was able to tell my family but I couldn't tell many more, and even my family has loose lips so I was very thankful for them not telling anybody. I mean, I never expected this. Just to be on the team with some of the best players in the world is truly an honor. That's the way I'm going to approach it, to have as much fun as I possibly can."
Here's video from MLB's press conference, featuring Keuchel and the gathered media:
For even more insight into Keuchel's big year, here's a sit-down with Dallas, Peter Gammons and Matt Yallof from Monday's All-Star press festivities:
As the national media (and fans) are probably just now getting a clear idea of who Dallas Keuchel is, let these two Tweets below (one from Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle and the other from CBS Sports) contextualize his new-found attention.