Watson putting up All-Star numbers

Reliever could join offensive standouts McCutchen, Walker in Minnesota

Watson putting up All-Star numbers

ST. PETERSBURG -- Andrew McCutchen is getting the most publicity for his hot June, but there's another Pirate having an All-Star-caliber season -- relief pitcher Tony Watson.

The left-hander picked up his 20th hold of the year in Tuesday's 6-5 win against the Rays at Tropicana Field, entering in the eighth inning and getting a strikeout and a foulout to end the inning.

Watson has a 0.76 ERA this season. He's given up just three earned runs with 45 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings, and he didn't allow a run from April 24 through June 12.

Fans can't vote for Watson, but they can cast ballots for candidates like McCutchen, who is currently in second place among National League outfielders, or Neil Walker, who is second among second basemen.







