Rosters announced for 2023 MLB All-Star Game in Seattle
Jul 2, 2023, 4:50 PM | Updated: 4:55 pm
A general aerial view on June 21, 2023 of T-Mobile Park, site of the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani became a two-way All-Star for the third straight year when he was picked for the American League pitching staff on Sunday, and eight Atlanta Braves were chosen for the July 11 game at the Seattle Mariners’ T-Mobile Park — the most of any team since 2012.
Luis Castillo is Seattle Mariners’ lone 2023 MLB All-Star
Ohtani was elected to the pitching staff by players 10 days after fans voted him to start at designated hitter. Ohtani appeared on the most ballots among AL players. He is the only two-way All-Star in major league history.
“He’s very respectful. He doesn’t do a whole bunch of talking,” AL manager Dusty Baker of Houston said. “He comes to play, and he really handles the notoriety and the publicity with humility and greatness.”
Your pitchers and reserves for the American League in the #AllStarGame! pic.twitter.com/eRu6YhueWO
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2023
At the 2021 game in Denver, Ohtani grounded out against Max Scherzer and Corbin Burnes, and pitched a perfect first inning, retiring Fernando Tatis Jr. on a flyout and Max Muncy and Nolan Arenado on groundouts.
Last year at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani singled on Clayton Kershaw’s first pitch of the game and walked against Joe Musgrove. Ohtani didn’t pitch.
Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., shortstop Orlando Arcia and catcher Sean Murphy were elected to the National League starting lineup by fans. They will be joined by five Braves teammates voted in by fellow players: starting pitchers Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder, first baseman Matt Olson, second baseman Ozzie Albies and third baseman Austin Riley.
Atlanta is a major league-best 56-27 after winning 23 of its last 26 games.
“To have eight guys, it’s awesome,” Riley said.
The contingent includes Atlanta’s entire starting infield, a proud accomplishment for Braves coach Ron Washington.
At the 2021 game in Denver, Ohtani grounded out against Max Scherzer and Corbin Burnes, and pitched a perfect first inning, retiring Fernando Tatis Jr. on a flyout and Max Muncy and Nolan Arenado on groundouts.
Last year at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani singled on Clayton Kershaw’s first pitch of the game and walked against Joe Musgrove. Ohtani didn’t pitch.
Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., shortstop Orlando Arcia and catcher Sean Murphy were elected to the National League starting lineup by fans. They will be joined by five Braves teammates voted in by fellow players: starting pitchers Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder, first baseman Matt Olson, second baseman Ozzie Albies and third baseman Austin Riley.
Your pitchers and reserves for the National League in the #AllStarGame! pic.twitter.com/iTEEss99iX
— MLB (@MLB) July 2, 2023
Atlanta is a major league-best 56-27 after winning 23 of its last 26 games.
“To have eight guys, it’s awesome,” Riley said.
The contingent includes Atlanta’s entire starting infield, a proud accomplishment for Braves coach Ron Washington.
Starting pitchers Zac Gallen, Kershaw and Marcus Stroman also were voted to the NL staff along with relievers Alexis Díaz, Camilo Doval and Josh Hader.
NL reserves voted in by players included catcher Will Smith, shortstop Dansby Swanson, outfielders Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Nick Castellanos, and designated hitter Jorge Soler.
MLB had six NL picks, using five for players on teams still without All-Stars: pitchers Josiah Gray, Mitch Keller, Justin Steele and Devin Williams along with first baseman Pete Alonso and catcher Elias Diaz.
Starting pitchers Gerrit Cole, Nathan Eovaldi, Sonny Gray and Shane McClanahan were voted by players to the AL staff along with Ohtani. The relievers elected by fellow players were Felix Bautista, Yennier Cano and Emmanuel Clase.
AL reserves elected by players included catcher Adley Rutschman, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., second baseman Whit Merrifield, shortstop Bo Bichette, third baseman José Ramírez and outfielders Yordan Alvarez, Adolis García and Austin Hays, and designated hitter Brent Rooker.
MLB used five of its seven AL picks for players whose teams were not already represented, selecting Luis Castillo of the host Mariners along with fellow pitchers Kevin Gausman, Kenley Jansen, Michael Lorenzen and Framber Valdez, plus catcher Salvador Perez and outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
Seattle outfielder and hometown favorite Julio Rodríguez was omitted, though AL injury replacements likely will be selected for Alvarez and Aaron Judge. Rodríguez has already committed to participating in the Home Run Derby.
Other notable players left off despite excellent numbers included Tatis, Rays shortstop Wander Franco and Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte.
Keller, a 27-year-old Pittsburgh right-hander, became an All-Star in his fifth season. Two years ago he was pitching for Triple-A Indianapolis at the time of the All-Star Game and last year he was demoted to the bullpen for two weeks in May.
“Them having the most confidence in me the last two or three years is really cool and everyone sticking with me and showing me their support and giving me their love, it’s been awesome,” Keller said of his Pirates teammates.
