For the second straight year, the Nationals have multiple All-Stars, and both of them are first-timers.
LHP MacKenzie Gore and outfielder James Wood were both officially named to the All-Star Game during Sunday’s roster reveal on ESPN, voted in on the players’ ballot that accounts for 17 of the 23 All-Star pitchers and reserves after fan voting determines the starting nine.
Gore, who will make his final start of the first half on Wednesday, gets the nod as one of 10 starters named to the game for the NL squad (Atlanta’s Chris Sale was selected but will not play due to injury). He has been a true ace this season, pitching to a 3.11 ERA with 131 strikeouts in 104 1/3 innings over 18 starts.
Wood, the 22-year-old phenom, becomes an All-Star in his first full season in the majors, which entering Sunday saw him slashing .288/.391/.553 with 23 homers, 67 RBI, 12 steals, and 57 walks in 89 games. He has also been strong defensively, tied for fifth among NL outfielders with 7 Defensive Runs Saved, according to Fangraphs.