Chris Capuano continued his excellent first half for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, pitching seven strong innings against the Angels. Capuano allowed one run on seven hits and struck out four, earning his ninth win of the season as the Dodgers beat the Angels 3-1.
Manager Don Mattingly was asked after the game if Capuano, who is 9-2 with a 2.60 ERA, is having an All-Star season.
"The numbers don't lie, right? He's been pitching good every time out, and he should be considered," Mattingly said.
Capuano made an All-Star team in 2006 while with the Milwaukee Brewers, but since missed all of 2008 and 2009 after Tommy John surgery. Would making the All-Star team this season mean more to Capuano, in the first year of a two-year, $10 million contract signed in the winter?
"Not as much as this team making the playoffs and moving forward," Capuano said. "But individual achievements are nice and it's nice to get recognized."
Catcher A.J. Ellis said that Capuano, a graduate of Duke University and a very cerebral player, is at his best when he essentially turns his brain off and tries to simplify his approach. Capuano agreed.
"I make sure we have a good game plan before we go warm up so I can then relax," Capuano said. "My goal out there is to minimize the shake-offs, minimize the thinking, and just focus on executing because (Ellis and backup catcher Matt Treanor) have a good idea back there."
Whatever Capuano has been doing this year, it has been working like a charm. All-Star rosters will be announced next weekend, and the All-Star Game will be held on July 9 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
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