“I’m really super happy and proud of my teammates and the coaching staff, I think it’s going to be great to have everyone there,” Acuña said through the interpreter. Franco Garcia team.
“I would like to take the whole team with me,” Swanson said. “I feel like every guy has played a big part in why we’ve been successful this year. Obviously Travis is phenomenal, Willie had kind of a breakout year for himself, Ronnie is obviously Ronnie, so that’s pretty special. And then Fried, I’ve said it before, like, the elite of the guy, he’s top notch.
Acuña didn’t have to worry about his spot in the 2022 Midsummer Classic as, on June 30, the right fielder was announced as the National League’s top vote-getter and earned a spot. automatic departure.
Swanson was narrowly beaten for the starting shortstop spot by the Dodgers’ Trea Turner in the final round of fan voting, 52% to 48%. But Swanson won’t miss the experience as he was selected as a reserve. Over his last 30 games, the 28-year-old has cut .341/.370/.589 with 44 hits, eight home runs and 24 RBIs.
“It’s obviously a huge honor, something you definitely work for your whole life,” Swanson said, after being named to his first All-Star Game. “I’m very thankful and thankful, very lucky to be in this position.”
William Contreras will join his brother Willson at the All-Star Game, becoming the 15th group of brothers to reach the Midsummer Classic. The last brothers to make an All-Star Game in the same year were Aaron and Bret Boone in 2003, according to Elias Sports Bureau. With Bryce Harper injured, William takes over as Harper’s designated hitter, with his brother starting at catcher. The last brothers to start an all-star game together were Sandy and Roberto Alomar in 1992, according to Elias Sports Bureau. William has played just 43 games this season, splitting time with d’Arnaud behind the plate, but he’s been extremely productive when he goes home.
“It’s something that I don’t think we’ve really talked about,” Contreras said of the All-Star game with his brother. “It’s a dream come true, and I think it’s something we’ve always dreamed of, but it’s crazy that this is happening. I’m really happy, I’m excited and I can’t wait to be That day.
Contreras is hitting .273/.358/.566 and is tied for fifth in home runs by a catcher this season (11), but every catcher above him has played 20 or more games. Contreras has 11 home runs in 143 at-bats, 1-for-13 ABs, which would be the 8th-best rate in the Majors, but he doesn’t have enough plate appearances to qualify.
The Braves will have their two receivers in Los Angeles on July 19, while d’Arnaud has also been granted a reserve spot. The last time two catchers with at least 20 games caught for the same team made the All-Star team was in 1957-60 and 1962, with Yogi Berra and Elston Howard of the Yankees. It happened just another time before that, in 1942 with Bill Dickey and Buddy Rosar, also of the Yankees.
d’Arnaud was a true veteran leader for Atlanta during the team’s successful season, and he was also a factor in the box and behind the dish. In his last 15 games, he’s slashed .293/.359/.534, while knocking out nine runners already this season, which is fifth-most in the Majors among skilled catchers.
“What makes it special is that it’s in my hometown, where I grew up learning the game of baseball. It’s going to be cool. said d’Arnaud. “It’s special, and I’m very grateful not only for the fans, but also for my peers who think I’m a good player.”
Fried will also enjoy his first All-Star selection at home at Dodger Stadium, a place he visited often as a child. The Southern California native went 9-2, tied for fifth in Majors wins, with a 2.52 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 100 strikeouts. He is one of the candidates for the position of starting pitcher in the National League.
“[Fried’s] been one of the best pitchers in the game for the last three years, and for him to get his first all-star selection, also for him in his hometown, is very special,” said d’Arnaud.
