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Bucs need a boost in All-Star balloting

The ballot does not include pitchers, however, and the Bucs' two top candidates for the MLB All-Star Game presented by MasterCard do their work on the mound: starter Ivan Nova and reliever Felipe Rivero.

Nova entered his start Tuesday tied for third among NL pitchers in innings (70), fourth in ERA (2.83), eighth in WHIP (1.09) and first in complete games (two) and shutouts (one). Rivero is tied for the NL lead with 27 appearances, and the quality of his work might exceed the quantity. Rivero owns a 0.67 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings.