Josh Harrison carved out a niche in the major leagues by playing every position asked of him and doing it with a contagious energy.
He broke into the majors with the Pirates in 2011, playing five different positions. He was named an All-Star three years later. His selection created a debate whether or not a player without one true position should receive such a selection.
There will be an entirely different debate after Harrison was named the Pirates' lone representative on the National League All-Star team for the All-Star Game, which will be held in Miami on July 11.
Ivan Nova and Felipe Rivero were excluded from the National League's roster, despite being among the best players at their respective position in most statistical categories.
"It’s belief in myself," Harrison, who was selected as a reserve, said. "It’s not surprising to me. It’s just staying the course and knowing that it’s a tough game, but you’ve got to enjoy it and anything can happen. Anytime I’m out on that field, I don’t take it for granted. I try to play with a lot of passion. I have fun and I try to help my team every night."
Some analysts predicted that two of the three players would make it for the Pirates, but that was not the case, despite the dominant season by Rivero and Nova being among the most efficient starting pitchers in baseball.
Rivero has been charged with just two earned runs in his last 21 appearances while striking out 27 batters and holding opponents to a .090 average. His 0.82 ERA this season is the second-lowest among major league relievers, and he has posted a 1.77 ERA since being acquired from the Nationals at the trade deadline last season.
"I just have to keep working, I guess," Rivero said.
Nova, meanwhile, is 8-5 with a 3.08 ERA and 60 strikeouts with 13 walks in 108 innings. He's thrown two complete games and has a 1.11 WHIP.
Though Rivero seemed like the favorite among the three, the left-handed reliever thought Nova should have been ahead of him.
"They were talking about Nova," Rivero said. "I was at least waiting for him because he’s been doing good. I guess it is what it is."
Rivero was a victim of circumstance. The league managers no longer select reserves, which puts the responsibility in the hands of the commissioner's office. With each team needing at least one representative, Padres reliever Brad Hand, who has a 2.53 ERA, was chosen.
Rivero has a lower ERA than all but one pitcher on the National League roster, with the Dodgers' Kenley Jansen being the exception.
Harrison, who went 0 for 2 when playing in the All-Star Game in 2014, is batting a team-best .288 with a .368 on-base percentage, nine home runs and 27 RBI this season. He's also stolen 10 bases and leads the Pirates with 85 hits. Unlike his selection in 2014, Harrison has played mostly one position this season.
He's carved out a role as the Pirates' second baseman, playing 45 games there. He's only been in the outfield for seven games but does plan to bring an outfield glove to Miami in case he's needed there.
"I’ll take what I normally take; I’ll take an infield and outfield," he said. "I’ll do whatever they need me to do, but we still have a couple games here to finish. I’ll try to finish these next seven strong and when that comes I'll enjoy that."
There is still a chance he could be joined in Miami. Pitchers are often pulled from the All-Star game if they make a start too close to the end of the break and injuries occur. Nova and Rivero would seem to be logical fits if a spot opens, but Rivero has already made up his mind.
Once he found out he was not selected, he told his wife he'd be spending the break with her in their home in Miami and plans to decline an invite if one is extended. Having already pitched 44 innings this season, Rivero is looking forward to taking a few days off.
He wanted to be selected, but also saw a silver lining in his exclusion.
"It was going to be nice, but at the same time I think it would be pressure for me because it was going to be the first one for me," he said. "I’m already past that."
One player was particularly excited for Harrison making the cut. Adam Frazier, who also plays multiple positions, has observed Harrison every day since making his major league debut last June.
It is Harrison who taught him the routine of practicing each position before and during batting practice. The two have been a potent pairing at the top of the Pirates' order, and Frazier has learned how Harrison is able to energize the lineup at any moment.
"He’s been a great help," Frazier said. "He’s just a guy that brings a lot of energy. I watch him and admire the way he plays."
The announcement was not made until after reporters spoke to Clint Hurdle following the Pirates' 5-3 loss to the Giants, but he did issue a statement on Harrison being selected.
"We are very proud of Josh being named to the NL All-Star team," Hurdle said. "His heart and hustle on the field of play are contagious. Second time named for the classic has been earned."