Red Sox: Steven Wright watches All-Star Game from bullpen

Jul 11, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; American League pitcher Steven Wright (35) of the Boston Red Sox walks off the field after workout day before the MLB All Star Game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 11, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; American League pitcher Steven Wright (35) of the Boston Red Sox walks off the field after workout day before the MLB All Star Game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 15, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright (35) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright (35) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

To his credit, if Wright is miffed by not getting into the game, he’s certainly not showing it. He claims to be satisfied with the honor of being selected. If he didn’t get to pitch last night, that’s fine, because he has a start against the New York Yankees this weekend to focus on. The Red Sox are his priority, not a glorified exhibition game.

"“It’s a personal accolade. And I’m not really huge on those,” explained Wright. “They’re great but first and foremost you have to help your team win. If that means going to the All-Star Game because your team is doing well, then I’m going to come here and represent the team the best I can. If you’re worried about that, you’re worried about the wrong things because your ultimate goal is to make a World Series not make an All-Star team.”"

Take that, Ned Yost! You don’t want to use me in the All-Star Game? No problem, but I will be on the mound when my team beats yours in the postseason on our way to the World Series. Thanks for helping us lock up home field advantage.

Fine, that’s probably not what Wright meant, but he does make a valid point. Winning a World Series is a team effort, while making an All-Star team is an individual accomplishment. At least his priorities are in the right place.

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