Adam Frazier told MLB.com that starting the MLB All-Star Game would be “an unbelievable dream come true.”
Now the former Mississippi State standout is living that reality. On Thursday, he was named the National League’s starter at second base.
Frazier, who owns a .321/.390/.458 batting line through Sunday’s games, is making his first All-Star appearance. He has been in the major leagues since 2016.
The infielder overtook Ozzie Albies of Atlanta in a late voting push to earn the start. The contest is July 13.
Milwaukee Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff is also an All-Star, earning a reserve nod in the National League. The former MSU right-hander allowed four runs in 6.1 innings against the New York Mets on Monday, bringing his ERA to 2.10 on the season. Woodruff has 125 strikeouts in 107.1 innings this year.
Seattle Mariners closer Kendall Graveman has had a strong season, but he missed out on an All-Star nod. He has a 1.03 ERA in 26.1 innings with 24 strikeouts.
Graveman picked up his eighth save of the season Sunday against the Texas Rangers after blowing a save Friday without allowing an earned run. He picked up his second win of the season Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Elsewhere in the American League, Boston Red Sox outfielder Hunter Renfroe has three home runs in his past six games after a pair of home runs June 28 against the Kansas City Royals. Renfroe has 12 long balls on the season and owns a .267/.322/.465 batting line in 2021.
On defense, Renfroe has been stellar, leading the AL with a whopping 11 outfield assists. The next closest player is Lourdes Gurriel Jr. of Toronto with eight. Renfroe is fifth among AL right fielders with a .973 fielding percentage.
Oakland Athletics infielder Mitch Moreland has had a tough year, hitting .238/.286/.388 in 160 plate appearances in 2021.
Moreland went 2 for 4 on Thursday against Renfroe’s Red Sox, including a double. He has hit six home runs and has 22 RBIs this season.
Frazier’s teammate on the Pirates, pitcher Chris Stratton, has a 3.02 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 44.2 innings pitched. He had a string of eight straight scoreless appearances snapped Wednesday.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Brent Rooker is currently in the minor leagues but remains on the team’s 40-man roster.
Theo DeRosa reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.
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