Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, and Trevor Story have been selected to play for the National League in the 2018 MLB All-Star Game in Washington, D.C.
Three Colorado Rockies will be heading to Washington, D.C., for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, though many are feeling an array of emotions since two deserving players will end up staying home. Third baseman Nolan Arendado will be making his fourth consecutive appearance as an all-star and will be joined by center fielder Charlie Blackmon (his third appearance) and shortstop Trevor Story (his first appearance).
The two players who got snubbed are Kyle Freeland and Adam Ottavino, despite both players having fantastic seasons so far. Ottavino said, "I'm not surprised. I'm on the Rockies ... Pitchers don't get any credit for playing for the Rockies."
Shoutout to Kyle Freeland and Adam Ottavino. They did not receive an All-Star nod this year, but both were absolutely worthy for their stellar first half!
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 9, 2018
RT to show they’re All-Stars in your book. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/SpmYR6Sz0Y
And while we're disappointed about Freeland and Ottavino, we're also very excited for those who did make the roster this year.
Rockies manager Bud Black, who will be a coach for the National League, said in a statement, "Those three are all deserving."
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Arenado, a five-time Gold Glove winner, was thrilled at the announcement. "Thank God I've stayed healthy enough to be here, and I really appreciate the fans," he said. "I work extremely hard, and to start an All-Star Game two years in a row is an amazing feeling. I'm a little bit of shock. It sure doesn't get old."
And Blackmon on his third All-Star Game appearance, "I felt like there was a chance this year, but I didn't really put any thought into (the vote)," he said. "I just kind of focused on what the Rockies have going on. I think (getting voted in by the players) makes me feel better about being there, in the sense that your peers respect the effort you are putting out there on the field."
For Story, it's a dream come true. "It's been one of my goals, ever since I was a little kid. To be voted in by the players and the managers means a lot of me. It's hard to explain, really. I don't know if it's set in yet. It's really exciting."
View the full All-Star Game Roster.
The 2018 MLB All-Star Game takes place on Thursday, July 17, in Washington, D.C., at Nationals Park. A Home Run Derby will be held the night before, and on Sunday, July 15, the Futures Game will kick things off (Roster).
Were you surprised by the Arenado, Blackmon, and Story making the roster? Or not so much? How do you feel about Freeland and Ottavino getting snubbed despite their stellar seasons so far? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
