Jose Fernandez will help David Ortiz homer off him in All-Star Game

Should he face Red Sox slugger David Ortiz in Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game, Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez will try his best to give up a home run.

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Should he face Red Sox slugger David Ortiz in Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game, Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez will try his best to give up a home run.

Speaking to ESPN’s Marly Rivera on Monday, Fernandez said he would “groove three fastballs down the middle” so Ortiz, who will retire at season’s end, can homer in his final All-Star Game.

With Giants righthander Johnny Cueto starting, Fernandez will come out of the bullpen. Ortiz is currently penciled in as the American League’s starting designated hitter.

This wouldn’t be the first time a pitcher spoke about grooving pitches. In 2014, Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright was criticized for joking that he gave Derek Jeter “a couple pipe shots” in the Yankees shortstop’s final All-Star Game.

The league that wins Tuesday’s game will have home–field advantage in this year’s World Series. 

First pitch on Tuesday is set for 8:16 p.m. ET.

– Kenny Ducey