• Preview
• Bleachers

Athletics RHP Duchscherer justifying All-Star selection

Jul 8, 2008 - 1:52 PM Seattle (35-54) at Oakland (48-41) 10:05 p.m. EDT

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Justin Duchscherer looks to further justify his All-Star selection on Tuesday when the Oakland Athletics continue a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners.

Duchscherer (9-5, 1.96 ERA) owns the lowest ERA in the majors and has been red-hot of late, logging a 5-1 record and 1.62 ERA over his last six starts.

The 30-year-old converted reliever has limited opponents to a .198 batting average - tied for first in the league - and his first-half performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team for the second time in his career.

"He deserves a spot on the All-Star team for what he's done," A's manager Bob Geren said. "I don't know how many people have made it as a reliever and made it as a starter, but ... it's quite an accomplishment. It really is two different jobs."

Duchscherer was stellar in his last outing, allowing just two runs and five hits in seven innings, walking two while striking out four en route to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

Carlos Silva (4-10, 5.85) tries to end a dismal stretch when he toes the rubber for the Mariners. After winning three of his first four starts to begin the season, Silva has posted a 1-10 record with a 7.02 ERA during his last 14 outings.