Clayton Kershaw is headed to his third-straight All-Star Game and is a strong candidate to start on the mound for the National League. But even he thinks Mets ace Matt Harvey should get the ball for the Midsummer Classic a week from tonight at Citi Field.
“He should [start]. There’s no reason, especially if it’s in New York, that he shouldn’t start,” the Dodgers southpaw told FOXSports.com yesterday. “That’s what the fans will want. I’ve got no problem with that.”
Kershaw, 8-5, leads the National League in innings pitched (138 1/3), ERA (1.89) and WHIP (0.90). Harvey entered his start last night at 7-2 with a 2.27 ERA and leads the NL with 141 strikeouts.
Harvey pitched in San Francisco in front of Giants and National League manager Bruce Bochy, and is scheduled to pitch this weekend against the Pirates. Kershaw’s next scheduled start is Friday against the Rockies.
Mets manager Terry Collins, who will be on Bochy’s bench for the All-Star Game, could also try to sway Bochy’s decision.
The starting pitchers in the All-Star Game usually pitch the first two and sometimes three innings of the game. The lineup and starting pitchers for the game will be announced on Monday.
david.satriano@nypost.com