Colorado Rockies send three to D.C. for the MLB All-Star Game

SEATTLE — The Colorado Rockies will send a trio of players to the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Washington D.C.

On Sunday, it was announced on ESPN prior to Sunday Night Baseball that the National League will feature three Rockies.

Third baseman Nolan Arenado headlines the Rockies selections as the now four-time All-Star won the fan vote for his spot at the hot corner. He’s also earned it with top eight numbers in each of the three NL Triple Crown categories (.306, 22 homers [NL-best], 63 RBI). The 3,621,425 votes that Arenado received was third most in the NL and was plenty of votes ahead of fellow third baseman Kris Bryant. Arenado’s four selections to the game are behind just Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki for the most by a player in club history at five.

Rox Pile’s Kevin Henry was in the locker room to get the reaction from Colorado’s All-Star trio.

"“It’s amazing, I’m very thankful for the fans,” Arenado said. “I thank God that I have been able to stay healthy … I can’t thank the fans enough. Starting an All-Star Game two years in a row, it doesn’t get old. I’m a little in shock.“Going to the All-Star Game doesn’t get old. This is always one of those goals before the season. I’m extremely excited.”"

Outfielder Charlie Blackmon has been selected by the players to represent the NL. The Georgia-born lefty will be making his second straight All-Star appearance and third overall. This season has been quieter for the 32-year-old though he’s still slashing .276/.348/.469 with 16 home runs and 39 RBI coming into Sunday’s action. Last season, he finished fifth in MVP voting, won the batting title, had the most RBI in history of baseball out of the leadoff spot with over 100, led MLB in hits, triples, total bases and runs scored.

"“I felt like there was a chance, but I didn’t put any thought into it,” Blackmon said. “I’ve been mentally focused on what the Rockies have been doing.”“Voted in by the players, it makes me feel better about being there. The best players in the world are there and I’m very humbled to be there and I’m going to enjoy myself.”"

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Shortstop Trevor Story also has been selected by the players to the game. He’s had a marvelous year as a contender for a Gold Glove while also knocking an NL-best-for-a-shortstop 17 home runs and 62 RBI. There’s also a chance that he could be in the Home Run Derby, which we will find out about on Wednesday. Story recently had his 140-plus consecutive games played streak snapped. He’s been great defensively, his strikeout numbers have dropped and the batting average has risen, all while the power as stay consistent. And of course he’s been doing it pretty much everyday.

Story was humbled by the vote-in from his peers.

"“It’s one of my goals. Ever since I was a little kid, you dream about that, playing in the All-Star Game,” Story said. “To be voted in by the players and managers means a lot to me. I don’t even know if it’s set in yet. It’s really exciting.”"

Colorado manager Bud Black gave kudos to his All-Star trio after Sunday’s loss in Seattle.

"“Those three fellas, they’re all deserving” Black said. “Nolan is at a place in a his career where he’s recognized as an All-Star player. Our circles, we look at him as one of the best in the game and the fans recognize that as well. Trevor this year has broken through and I think he’s being recognized as one of the best shortstops in the league. The development between defense and strikeouts and putting the ball in play. And Charlie the last years has really come on.”"

Next: What Kyle Freeland, Nolan Arenado and Bud Black really think about the wave

Also participating in the weekend from the Rockies is manager Bud Black who will be on friend, and Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts‘ NL coaching staff. And Colorado prospects and current Hartford Yard Goats infielder Brendan Rodgers and right-hander Jesus Tinoco will participate in MLB’s Future’s Game.

The American League will take on the National League in the nation’s capital on July 17. The game will be televised on FOX.

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