The All-Star game has not been an event many Braves players have experienced over the last few seasons. That will finally change this year, as both Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis were the leading vote-getters at their respective positions. Unfortunately, Ozzie Albies was edged out by the Cubs’ Javier Baez for the starting second base spot, but his contributions did not go unnoticed. He was placed on the team as a reserve after raking to the tune of a .281 batting average and 18 home runs in the season’s first half.
Mike Foltynewicz also joined Albies on the team as a pitcher. Folty has been flat out dominant over the first half with a 2.37 ERA over 17 starts. The hard-throwing righty should even receive consideration as a starter, but with the game taking place in Washington, it is hard seeing anyone but Scherzer getting the ball first.
Second-year starter, Sean Newcomb, was also on the cusp of possibly getting his first All-Star game nod. However, losing his last two starts while allowing five earned runs in less than four innings definitely played into him ultimately not making it.
Since 2014 (the last time the Braves had multiple players in the All-Star Game), most of Atlanta’s selections have been pity ones, only occurring to abide by the rule that at least one player from each organization must be represented. This year only the Astros, Indians and Red Sox will be sending more (5), while the Yankees will also be sending four. Atlanta will be the most represented team in the National League.
Maybe this rebuild thing was not so bad after all.