Pat Neshek will represent Philadelphia in MLB's All-Star Game
It would be easy for Pat Neshek to have a sour attitude about playing for a team 20 games behind the pace a week before the All-Star break, but he's actually having fun in Philadelphia.

"I love it here, this place is great ... I'm enjoying it," Neshek said recently when asked of his opinion of playing for the Phillies. "It's been a tough year on the field, but we have a lot of young guys just starting to put things together."

Acquired in the off-season in a deal that sent cash to Houston, Neshek has proven to be the most reliable arm in a bullpen besieged by inconsistency. His 1.39 ERA is the sixth-lowest among all National League relievers with more than 10 appearances.

"I just go out and do what I can," Neshek said. "Things have been clicking well for me lately."

Neshek's stellar first half has earned himself a spot  on the National League All-Star roster as the Phillies' lone representative. The honor marks the second time he's been an All-Star, his first appearance coming in 2014 while with the St. Louis Cardinals.

From a purely individual standpoint, 2017 has been a pretty decent year for the 36-year-old reliever. In March, he hurled five scoreless innings to help Team USA win the World Baseball Classic. In April, he and his wife, Stephanee, welcomed a baby girl, Skye.

Despite the successes on the mound, Neshek's days in Philadelphia are numbered. He's in the final year of a three-year deal and not a part of the Phillies' rebuilding plans.

"I can just deal with what's in my control," Neshek said. "Whatever happens, happens."
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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