On Wednesday night, the Washington Nationals emerged victorious and claimed a series win over the Houston Astros. Unlike 2019, when the visiting Astros took 3 straight games at Nationals Park, this time the Nationals were able to avoid what would have been a tough series loss. Similar to 2019, however, they did it on the back of a superb starting pitcher.
It also just so happens that this starting pitcher of the Nationals was notably not yet selected to the All-Star Game, although his case appears to be as strong as anyone's. Perhaps with some late notice, Wednesday night's performance made things that much more convincing for him.
Foster Griffin pleads All-Star case with incredible final start before break
At this point, there is just not a lot else that Foster Griffin can do to prove he belongs on the National League All-Star team. Time and time again, Griffin has been the key cog that the Nationals can turn to when they need a win or to save their bullpen, and he has done nothing but deliver.
I first discussed the possibility of Griffin actually being selected to the All-Star Game almost a month ago, and he has only improved since then. After Wednesday's start against the Astros, it seems like he could arguably go down as the biggest snub if he doesn't somehow get selected.
In Wednesday's game, Griffin tallied yet another Quality Start, this time Griffin completed 7.0 innings of 1-run ball, striking out 9 Astros hitters and not allowing a single walk. For the lefty, it has become yet another case of him just continuing to work efficiently enough to get deep into games, and he has really been the team's ace at every turn.
if it walks like an all-star and pitches like an all-star ....... pic.twitter.com/E5kluICkxz
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 9, 2026
Outside of a 2-start stretch back in May where he allowed 14 earned runs in 9.1 innings, Griffin has been absolutely superb this year, and his overall numbers reflect it. He now has a sparkling 10-2 record, 2.77 ERA, and 1.02 WHIP this year, while also sporting a 109:26 K:BB ratio. Griffin is 1 of 7 starting pitchers in the league to have 10 wins in 2026, and he ranks within the Top 15 in baseball in virtually every other statistic, including being worth almost 3 Wins Above Replacement.
Factor in that Griffin would be lined up to pitch next Monday if the Nationals had a game, it's completely conceivable that he gets picked to be on the team given that he would likely be available to pitch. Given that it likely lines up for him from a scheduling standpoint, he might need another pitcher ahead of him to pitch over the weekend in order to clear a spot for Griffin.
With guys like Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto all slated to pitch on Friday or Saturday, those all could be potential All-Stars who will need to be replaced for someone available on Tuesday. For now, Griffin will be waiting along with a few other guys to see if they get an opportunity to make a memory of a lifetime, but he has for sure more than proven he belongs in Philadelphia for the midsummer classic next week with CJ Abrams and James Wood.
Do you think Foster Griffin will end up being selected to the All-Star Game next week in Philadelphia? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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