"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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