“I’m definitely very happy and proud of the teammates and the coaching staff, and I think it’s going to be awesome to have everyone out there,” Acuna said through team translator Franco Garcia.
“I want to bring the whole team with me,” Swanson said. “I feel like every guy has a big part in why we’re successful this year. Obviously, Travis is phenomenal, Willie had a breakout year for himself, Ronnie is obviously Ronnie, so it’s pretty special. And then Fried, like I said before, the guy’s elite, he the best
Acuna won’t have to worry about his spot in the 2022 Midsummer Classic, as the right-fielder was announced as the National League’s leading vote-getter on June 30. Earned an automatic starting spot.
Swanson was beaten for the starting shortstop by the Dodgers’ Trea Turner in the final fan poll, 52% to 48%. But Swanson won’t be missing out on experience as he’s been selected as a reserve. Over his last 30 games, the 28-year-old is slashing .341/.370/.589 with 44 hits, eight home runs and 24 RBIs.
“It’s obviously a tremendous honor, something you definitely work for your whole life,” Swanson said of being named to his first All-Star Game. “I’m very appreciative and grateful, I’m very blessed to be in this position.”
William Contreras Will join his brother Wilson in the All-Star Game, the 15th brothers to reach the Midsummer Classic. Aaron and Brett Boone were the last brothers to make the All-Star Game in the same year in 2003, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. With Bryce Harper injured, William takes Harper’s starting hitter spot while his brother starts at catcher. Sandy and Roberto Alomar were the last brothers to start an All-Star Game together in 1992, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Williams has played in just 43 games this season, splitting time behind the dish with d’Arnaud, but he’s been very effective when he steps up to the plate.
“It’s something I don’t think we’ve talked about yet,” Contreras said of playing in the All-Star Game with his brother. “It’s a dream come true, I think it’s something we’ve always dreamed of, but it’s crazy that it’s happening. I’m so happy, I’m excited, I can’t wait for that day.
Contreras is slashing .273/.358/.566 and is tied for the fifth-most homers by a catcher this season (11), but every catcher above him has played in 20 or more games. Contreras has 11 homers in 143 at-bats, about 1 every 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 catch both in Los Angeles on July 19, as d’Arnaud earned a reserve spot. The last two catchers with at least 20 games on the All-Star team were Yogi Berra and the Yankees’ Elston Howard in 1957-60 and 1962. It happened one other time before that, in 1942, with the Yankees’ Bill Dickey and Buddy Roser.
D’Arnaud has been a true veteran leader for Atlanta during the team’s successful season, and he’s been a factor in the box and behind the dish. Over his last 15 games, he’s slashing .293/.359/.534 while already throwing out nine runners on the season, tied for fifth among qualified catchers in the majors.
“What makes it special is that it’s in my hometown, where I grew up learning baseball. It will be cool.” d’Arnaud said. “It’s great, I’m very grateful not only to the fans but also to my colleagues who think I’m a good player.”
Fried will enjoy his first All-Star selection back home at Dodger Stadium, a place he frequented during his childhood. The Southern California native has a 9-2 record with a 2.52 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 100 strikeouts, his fifth win in the majors. He is one of the candidates to be the National League’s starting pitcher.
“[Fried’s] “He’s been one of the best pitchers in the game for the last three years, and to get his first All-Star selection in his hometown is really special for him,” d’Arnaud said.
