SF Giants RHP Alex Cobb selected to All-Star Game as replacement
The SF Giants now have two players who have been selected to the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. While closer Camilo Doval was the lone Giants player selected to the original rosters, veteran starting pitcher Alex Cobb was selected to replace Atlanta Braves starter Bryce Elder. A 12-year MLB veteran, it is Cobb's first All-Star selection of his career.
SF Giants RHP Alex Cobb throws a pitch during at Oracle Park on July 5, 2023.
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
"There's so many guys in this clubhouse that I look at as way more deserving to be going to this game," Cobb said in a speech to his teammates after receiving the honor. "So to represent you guys, it really is an honor. I've been wanting this for a long time, and it's surreal that it's actually happening... This is one of the best clubhouses I've been a part of. When we get back for the second half, we have some chances to do something really special. So, go enjoy your break. We'll go represent us. And then when we get back let's whoop some a**."
Cobb has been the most underrated pitcher in MLB over the past two seasons and was exceptional early this season before dealing with an oblique injury. Despite a stint on the injured list, Cobb managed to build an impressive enough resume to receive the honor. In 16 starts this season, Cobb has recorded a 2.91 ERA (3.04 FIP) across 89.2 innings pitched with 86 strikeouts and 21 walks.
It has been an arduous road for Cobb since he first reached the majors back in 2011 with the Rays. He was one of the best young pitchers in MLB from 2013-2014, posting a 2.82 ERA across 49 starts in Tampa Bay. However, he struggled to regain his form after tearing his UCL, which forced him to undergo surgery.
Cobb eventually found his way to Driveline, which he credits for helping rejuvenate his career. After stints with the Orioles and Angels, he inked a two-year, $20 million contract with the Giants before last season and has proven to be one of the best signings of Farhan Zaidi's tenure.
It may be a bit surprising to see Cobb selected over Giants ace Logan Webb. Webb has a higher ERA (3.40) than his teammate but has been a workhorse at the top of San Francisco's starting rotation, racking up 117 strikeouts and just 23 walks in 117 innings pitched. Granted, Webb will likely start on Sunday against the Rockies, so he would have had to skip the honor anyway.
It's rare for a player to have their best seasons in their mid-30s, but set to turn 36 in October, SF Giants right-handed pitcher Alex Cobb is in the middle of one of the best seasons of his career and can now call himself an MLB All-Star.
