“I’m definitely super happy and proud of the teammates and the coaching staff, I think it’s going to be awesome to have everyone out there,” Acuña mentioned by crew interpreter Franco García.
“I’d like to bring the whole team with me,” Swanson mentioned. “I feel like each guy has had a big role in why we’ve been successful this year. Obviously, Travis is phenomenal, Willie’s had kind of a breakout year for himself, Ronnie is obviously Ronnie, so it’s pretty special. And then Fried, I’ve said that before, like, the guy’s elite, he’s top notch.”
Acuña didn’t have to fret about his spot within the 2022 Midsummer Classic as a result of, on June 30, the right-fielder was introduced because the main vote-getter within the National League and earned an automatic starting spot.
Swanson was narrowly overwhelmed out for the beginning shortstop spot by the Dodgers’ Trea Turner within the ultimate section of fan voting, 52% to 48%. But Swanson will not miss out on the expertise, as he was chosen as a reserve. Over his final 30 video games, the 28-year-old is slashing .341/.370/.589 with 44 hits, eight residence runs and 24 RBIs.
“It’s obviously a tremendous honor, something you definitely work for your whole life,” Swanson mentioned, on being named to his first All-Star Game. “I’m very appreciative and thankful, very blessed to be in this position.”
William Contreras will join his brother Willson at the All-Star Game, turning into the fifteenth set of brothers to achieve the Midsummer Classic. The final brothers to make an All-Star Game in the identical yr have been Aaron and Bret Boone in 2003, per Elias Sports Bureau. With Bryce Harper injured, William takes Harper’s beginning designated hitter spot, together with his brother beginning at catcher. The final brothers to begin an All-Star Game collectively have been Sandy and Roberto Alomar in 1992, per Elias Sports Bureau. William has performed simply 43 video games this season, splitting time with d’Arnaud behind the dish, however he is been extraordinarily productive when he goes to the plate.
“That’s one thing that I don’t think we’ve ever really talked about,” Contreras mentioned about enjoying within the All-Star Game together with his brother. “It is a dream come true, and I think it’s something that we’ve always dreamed about, but it’s crazy that it’s happening. I’m really happy, I’m excited and I can’t wait for the day.”
Contreras is slashing .273/.358/.566 and is tied for the fifth-most homers by a catcher this season (11), however every catcher above him has performed in 20 or extra video games. Contreras has 11 homers in 143 at-bats, 1 per each 13 ABs, which might be the Eighth-best price within the Majors, however he does not have sufficient plate appearances to qualify.
The Braves could have each of their catchers in Los Angeles on July 19, as d’Arnaud additionally earned a reserve spot. The final time two catchers with at the least 20 video games caught for a similar crew made the All-Star crew was 1957-60 and 1962, with Yogi Berra and Elston Howard of the Yankees. It occurred only one different time earlier than that, in 1942 with Bill Dickey and Buddy Rosar, additionally of the Yankees.
d’Arnaud has been a real veteran chief for Atlanta in the course of the crew’s profitable season, and he is additionally been an element within the field and behind the dish. Over his final 15 video games, he is slashing .293/.359/.534, whereas already throwing out 9 runners on the season, which is the fifth most within the Majors amongst certified catchers.
“What makes it special is it’s in my hometown, where I grew up learning the game of baseball. It’s gonna be cool.” d’Arnaud mentioned. “It’s special, and I’m very thankful for not only the fans, but for my peers who think I’m a good player.”
Fried additionally shall be having fun with his first All-Star choice again residence at Dodger Stadium, a spot he visited typically throughout his childhood. The Southern California native has garnered a 9-2 report, tied for fifth in wins within the Majors, with a 2.52 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 100 strikeouts. He is among the many candidates to be the National League’s beginning pitcher.
“[Fried’s] been one of the game’s top pitchers the last three years, and for him to get his first All-Star selection, also for him in his hometown, is very special,” d’Arnaud mentioned.
