SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – Major League Baseball announced the American League and National League All-Star pitchers and reserves on Sunday. A handful of the selections are familiar faces.
Two more Braves players are headed to the All-Star Game next week. Pitcher Chris Sale and first baseman Matt Olson will be joining starter Ronald Acuña Jr. at the Midsummer Classic.
This marks Sale’s ninth All-Star nod, while it’ll be Olson’s third appearance. Sale won’t pitch in the game after being put on the 60-day IL back in late June with a fractured rib cage. But before his injury, the reigning NL Cy Young winner had a 2.52 ERA in 15 starts. Olson, meanwhile, is hitting .267 this season with a .489 slugging percentage, 17 home runs, and 58 RBIs.
As an Atlanta native, this selection is particularly special to the Braves’ first baseman.
“Pretty cool being from Atlanta and playing for the Braves, obviously a special one,” said Olson. “Something definitely to strive for an happy to be able to represent the Braves.”
“I was actually a little surprised,” said Sale. “I didn’t know if I had enough innings or if I’d missed enough time to miss the mark. Obviously I don’t get to play, which is unfortunate. I’ve always liked participating in the game, but being able to stand at that line and tip my cap and be able to be at home for an All-Star Game is special, and I definitely appreciate it.”
Over on the AL side of things, Minnesota’s Byron Buxton is coming home to the Peach State for his second appearance in the All-Star Game.
Before the Twins outfielder was tearing it up in the MLB, he was doing that right here in Baxley, helping to lead Appling County to its first baseball state title back in 2012.
After being drafted second overall in the 2012 draft, Buxton is now ten full seasons into his major league career, and he’s having one of his best years yet. The centerfielder is hitting .270 with a .334 on-base percentage, 20 home runs and 16 stolen bases.
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