AP Photo/Frank Franklin IJacob deGrom may be the best baseball pitcher, but it's not realistic to expect the New York Mets ace to appear in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game.DeGrom stated to reporters that he is honored to have been nominated for the fourth ASG award, but that he doesn't think it's smart to pitch in the All-Star Game.The Midsummer Classic will be held July 13 at Coors Field, Denver. DeGrom is expected to pitch July 11 against Pittsburgh Pirates.The right-hander has also suffered minor injuries during the season, in addition to the quick turnaround. In May, he felt discomfort in his right side and was placed on the injured list. He was afflicted by right flexor tendinitis in June and shoulder soreness during back-to-back workouts.DeGrom has made 14 starts and is currently the MLB ERA leader with 0.95. He also averages more strikeouts per nine innings (14.4), than any other starting pitcher. His 0.541 WHIP could be his best ever.It would be great to see deGrom do the same as Pedro Martinez who struck out five batters in just two innings to open the 1999 All-Star Game.He explained why he didn't think it was a good idea to participate in the All-Star Game.The Mets are currently at 43-36, four games ahead of the Atlanta Braves and in first place in National League East. The team is poised to reach the playoffs, the first time the franchise has been there since 2016. New York was last in the divisional round one year ago.DeGrom must keep his eye on the larger picture, even though the All-Star Game is meant to be a showcase for the best players in MLB.
