The National League all-stars have finally broken the streak, and it didn’t even take all 34 roster players to do it. One of those left out of the game was Pirates reliever Evan Meek, who was not only the only Pittsburgh Pirate to be invited to California, but also the first non-closer Pirate to get the invite in over 70 years. Now Meek can say he is an all-star, but is still fully rested for Pittsburgh’s game against Houston on Friday.

Meek was not given the opportunity to pitch in the game, but that does not take anything away from the fact that he is an all star. NL Manager Charlie Manuel wanted to put his team in the best position possible to end the AL winning streak, and Meek wasn’t the best option available. Still, by being chosen as the best Pittsburgh Pirate, Meek has given notice to the rest of baseball that he’s really good.

Through the unofficial first half of the season, Meek has a 4-3 record out of the bullpen with an incredible 1.11 ERA. He has struck out 45 in 48 2/3 innings, having given up only 32 hits and 14 walks for a 0.945 WHIP. He has only given up six earned runs, including two homers. Of his 40 appearances, he has finished nine games this season. The only disturbing statistic is that he is one-for-seven in save opportunities.

Meek is a good pitcher on a bad team. The Pirates haven’t been contenders in the National League since the early 90s, and things don’t look like they’ll change any time soon. As a 27-year-old right-handed reliever, not much stands out for him. Having the difficulties he’s shown closing games really takes away from his value, but he’s still new to the big leagues. The first half of his season may have been a blip, or he may now be showing his true self. If the latter is true, Meek may want to look for a new city to live before he gets buried in the mediocrity that is Pittsburgh.