In what has otherwise been a disappointing season for the Mets, one of their bright spots has been second baseman Daniel Murphy.
In his fifth full season with the team, the 29-year-old has given the Mets steady production at second base, and is just two hits behind Miami’s Casey McGehee for the National League lead.
On Sunday, Murphy was rewarded for his strong first half with a selection to the National League All-Star team — the first of his career. He will be the Mets’ lone representative in Minneapolis on July 15.
“It’s humbling. That’s the only word I can really [think of],” Murphy said after going 1-for-4 with a double in the Mets’ 8-4 victory over the Rangers.
After the game, manager Terry Collins delivered the good news to Murphy, who said his immediate reaction was one of “shock.”
Murphy then backtracked a bit, saying he was aware of the possibility he would be chosen.
“I think it’s human nature [to be aware of it],” he said. “You get asked some questions leading up to it. There’s enough anxiety that goes into just trying to win baseball games as it is, and trying to focus on the task at hand, which was winning a series against Texas.”
Murphy’s bat has been consistent throughout his career — he is hitting .294 this season, and .291 for his career.
Defense has never been his strong suit, but he has worked at hard at making himself a serviceable defender. He was sure to give credit to those who helped him along the way.
“I’d be remiss without mentioning the work that [third-base coach] Tim Teufel has put in,” he said. “Even though he’s not here anymore, [former Mets second baseman] Justin Turner’s helped me out quite a bit, and Ruben [Tejada] as well.
“The work that Teufel has invested in me at second base, there’s a lot of hours that he logged down in Port St. Lucie, and I think I should mention that.”
Third baseman David Wright, who has been named to seven All-Star teams but didn’t get the call this year, said he was happy for Murphy.
“He deserves it,” he said. “[He had a] great first half. He’s not one of those guys who gets a lot of attention, [he] isn’t flashy. He just gets the job done.”