This year, neither of them will do the honors.
For the first time since 1998, one of the two star closers in the American League will not appear on All-Star roster. How times have changed.
Papelbon failed to make the team for the first time since becoming eligible for the honor. The only other year he didn't make it was in 2005, when he didn't even make his big league debut until more than two weeks after the festivities occurred.
Yes, Papelbon's 2010 ERA, at 3.71, is more than a full run higher than it's ever been at the end of the season. That tough outing against New York on May 17 was his first blown save of the year, and after that night, he's embarked upon a tough stretch in which he has gone 2-1 with 10 saves, a 4.20 ERA and a .246 opponents' batting average.
Obviously, this hasn't been the best of years for the four-time All Star.
But in Rivera's case, he's been every bit impressive enough to earn a bid to the Midsummer Classic. He just decided not to take it.
The 40-year-old told ESPN.com on Wednesday that although he plans to continue pitching for the Yankees until the All-Star break, he's using the four days to rest because of inflammation in his right knee and a sore oblique.
Both Rivera and manager Joe Girardi downplayed the injury. Rivera said he's "been pitching hurt," and Girardi said, "He's OK. It is just a little nagging thing."
The injury certainly hasn't showed in Rivera's stat line this season. In 33 appearances — exactly half the amount he finished with in 2009 — Rivera boasts a 1.08 ERA, throwing 33 1/3 innings en route to 19 saves. Rivera has just two blown saves this year, one of which came against Toronto on Sunday, a game in which he allowed one run on three hits.
It was the first time since May 21 that Rivera allowed a run during an outing. In between those two appearances, Rivera was electric, appearing in 16 games and earning 10 saves. Opponents hit just .086 against him, and he fanned 20 batters.
If skipping the All-Star Game is what's going to help Rivera keep putting up numbers like that, Girardi would be foolhardy to let him pitch on July 13. The All-Star Game is an honor, but it's not worth missing important games down the stretch.
It's just going to look very weird to see neither Papelbon or Rivera donning an AL uniform next week.
