4 MLB All-Star Pitchers Who Will Regress in the 2nd Half

Every player that makes the All-Star team is deserving. Yes, there are some who make it because their team needed a representative, but still, those individuals would not get the nod if they weren't in the midst of a stellar season. But that doesn't mean they'll play or pitch at a high level post-Midsummer Classic. So, here are four MLB All-Star pitchers who will regress in the second half of the 2019 season.

4. LHP John Means, Baltimore Orioles

Even the Baltimore Orioles have to be represented in the All-Star Game, and while Trey Mancini seemed like the obvious choice, left-handed starter John Means got the nod. Means has quietly done a nice job out of the Orioles rotation, posting a 7-4 record with a 2.50 ERA over 17 appearances (13 starts), but once the league makes an adjustment, he'll have a rude awakening, especially against tough AL East opponents. Don't expect that ERA to remain below 3 in the second half.

3. RHP Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins

Sandy Alcantara has the stuff to be a future ace of this Marlins pitching staff, but some of his numbers are already concerning. The 23-year-old has an electric fastball and big time stuff, but he has the fourth-worst K/BB ratio (1.51) in the league, and despite throwing in the upper-90's with his fastball, Alcantara only has a 6.11 K/9. He's a young starter still trying to adjust to the big leagues, but if he can't execute and finish off hitters, it could be a tough second half for him and the Marlins.

2. RHP Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays

Marcus Stroman owns a 3.18 ERA over 18 starts, which is impressive considering he's pitching in the AL East, facing batters in a lot of hitter-friendly parks. But what he's done is a little bit fluky. After dominating in his first six starts of the season, Stroman owns a 4.16 ERA over his last 12 starts. The Jays right-hander has already started his regression and the first half isn't even over. Things could get better, or worse, for Stroman, depending on whether he finds himself on a new team by the trade deadline.

1. RHP Luis Castillo, Cincinnati Reds

Luis Castillo has ace potential and could anchor the Cincinnati Reds rotation for years to come, but don't be shocked if he tails off down the stretch. Castillo does own a 2.47 ERA over his first 17 starts and he possesses 115 strikeouts over 98.1 innings. His stuff is electric, but you have to be concerned about his walks. He's 16th-worst in all of baseball with a 2.21 K/BB ratio, and leads the majors with 52 free bases surrendered. If he can't tune up his control, it could be a rough second half for a very talented pitcher that has a lot of upside.