NEW YORK (AP) -Mariano Rivera is far more likely to close next week’s All-Star game than to start it.
American League manager Terry Francona didn’t sound enamored of the idea that the New York Yankees closer should open the final All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.
“You are expected to take a starter because that’s the rules you play under,” Francona said Thursday during a conference call. “We are going to have the starting pitcher be the person we believe deserves it the most.”
Rivera hasn’t started a major league game since 1995, his first year in the big leagues. Francona has taken note of the fan and media discussion about using the 38-year-old as the game’s first pitcher.
“I think the Mariano thing is picking up some steam from people,” he said.
Rivera, a nine-time All-Star, is the most likely candidate to close the game if the AL has the lead. Francona has sidestepped direct answers when asked whether he would use his own closer with the Boston Red Sox, Jonathan Papelbon, or Rivera.
“Everything and everybody and every situation will be treated with the utmost respect to where we are playing,” Francona said. “We are aware of where we’re playing, who some of the guys are that are representing what teams, and we will treat that very respectfully.”
Francona, the son of former major leaguer Tito Francona, and NL manager Clint Hurdle both said their fathers plan to attend Tuesday’s game. Hurdle’s father grew up a Mickey Mantle fan.
“I will take a lap around the field. I will go out to the monuments. It’s something that I don’t take lightly,” said Hurdle, the Colorado Rockies’ manager.
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