Colorado Rockies: Germán Márquez embracing All-Star Game learning moments

Colorado Rockies pitcher Germán Márquez won’t be starting for the National League in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game in his home park. According to Rockies manager Bud Black, Márquez also won’t be pitching more than an All-Star Game inning. Those are the things that will show up in the box score following the Midsummer Classic, but Black and Márquez are hoping for more from the right-hander’s night than just a scoreless inning and some national TV time.

Here’s what Colorado Rockies pitcher Germán Márquez can learn before and during Tuesday night’s All-Star Game.

Black said that while Márquez is soaking the environment surrounding his first All-Star Game, he also wants him to take the moment to learn from those who have been to multiple All-Star Games and have led their teams to division, league, and world championships. That includes the pitcher who was chosen to start ahead of Márquez on Tuesday night, Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals.

“I want him to meet and to mingle with the other guys. Because you know he’s rubbing shoulders with the best, right? He’s rubbing shoulders with Max Scherzer, Walker Buehler, Freddie Freeman, Kris Bryant,” Black said. “I’m so excited for him.”

Márquez said that he is embracing the learning moments that will come with the All-Star Game, and will take full advantage some of the best pitchers in the game being his teammates for a night.

“I want to pick everyone’s brain and get advice from whoever I can,” Márquez said through an interpreter.

Tuesday night will be all about pomp and circumstance as much as baseball, but Black knows this is a moment where Márquez can learn and shine.

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“You know we spoke yesterday (Sunday). His arm’s going to be fine (on Tuesday),” Black said. “He threw 85 pitches on Saturday and he’ll have a couple days off (after the game). (Monday) is his normal side session, and his side sessions are usually pretty intense, so with an extra day’s rest and the adrenaline that Germán will have, he’ll be firing bullets.

“He’s going to be nervous, but I think he’s gonna be nervous and calm at the same time because I think he knows he’s a really good pitcher.”

From a rookie debut late in 2016 in relief to a contract extension in 2019 to an All-Star in 2021, Márquez has taken the steps to become one of the best Rockies pitchers in recent memory. Another step in the journey could well happen on Tuesday night as the eyes of the baseball world turn toward Denver.

“You know, my first year here in 2017 was German’s, so I’ve seen him grow up,” Black explained. “I’ve seen him grow to be an All-Star, and for the coaches and me and player development and the organization to see that and what we experienced earlier in the week when I told him, those are special moments for coaches and for players. I’ll never forget that. He’s one of my favorites.”