Cobb Reporter

Three Braves are headed to Arlington for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at the Rangers’ Globe Life Field. Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna and starting pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo López were named to the National League All-Star team on Sunday night.

“It’s pretty cool,” manager Brian Snitker said. “All three of them are awesome. We just had a [postgame] meeting. Other than Christmas, it’s kind of one of my favorite days of the year when I hand out All-Star invitations. It’s special. Going to an All-Star Game is an honor and a really special thing for the guys and their families.”

**Ozuna (third career All-Star selection)**

Ozuna is an All-Star for the first time since 2017. The veteran outfielder revitalized his career one month into the 2023 season and has since been one of the game’s most productive players.

He ranks among the top five NL players in home runs (23), RBIs (72) and OPS (.950). He now has the distinction of being the Braves' first designated hitter to earn an All-Star selection.

“For me, it’s amazing to bring my kids to [the All-Star Game] again,” Ozuna said. “They grew up a little bit and they’re big and they’ve learned about baseball. It’s a new experience for them.”

**Sale (eighth All-Star selection)**

Sale’s first All-Star nod since 2018 is a special one. Multiple injuries limited the left-hander to 151 innings from 2020-23, but working through a healthy offseason has helped him regain his place among the game’s elite. His 11 wins are tied for the most in MLB, and he also ranks among the NL’s top three in ERA (2.71) and strikeouts (127).

Sale's production has him in contention to start an All-Star Game for the first time since he served as the AL's starter three straight seasons from 2016-18. However, Sale will likely pitch next weekend in San Diego, making him unavailable for pitching duties during the All-Star Game.

Injuries ended Sale's dominance while finishing within the top six in balloting for the AL Cy Young Award in seven straight seasons from 2012-18. The lefty underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020 and battled both a rib fracture and right wrist fracture during '22 campaign, totaling just 11 starts from 2020-22.

“It’s definitely satisfying and I appreciate it, for sure,” Sale said. “You go through some years like I had, you start thinking if this is a real possibility again... They gave me a chance and I’m happy to do this for them.”

**López (first career All-Star selection)**

Many questioned López's transition from reliever to starter by Braves management, but three months later he owns an MLB-leading ERA of 1.71.

López was utilized as a starter until 2021 when transitioning into relief roles with White Sox began; not throwing more than sixty-six innings past two seasons before returning starting role with Braves this year: "I’m very proud," López stated giving thanks God: "It’s kind crazy stopping think about last few years bullpen work becoming starter again making all-star team."

In Sunday’s victory over Phillies improving record striking out six scoreless innings further solidifying status ahead all-star break—Snitker delayed informing player post-game meeting instead heightening moment celebration invitation presentation afterward praising performance satisfaction added significance day: "It made day more special presenting invitation."

Both natives Dominican Republic developing friendship breaking league eight years ago; teammates now united representing NL togetherness highlighted mutual admiration support hopes future success Cy Young award aspirations shared camaraderie evident: "He comes house go house confidence before teams same area Dominican Republic love proud what done hope continues stuff wins Cy Young," Ozuna concluded reflecting bond forged journey accomplishments achieved thus far celebrating shared milestone recognition effort dedication perseverance overcoming obstacles achieving excellence highest level sport competition displayed inspiring others potential greatness attainable belief hard work determination vision realizing dreams come true against odds facing challenges head-on triumphantly emerging victorious end goal pursued relentlessly passion drive commitment embodying spirit athletic endeavor pursuit excellence defined epitomized encapsulated fully embodied entirety represented collectively symbolizing ultimate achievement recognition acknowledgment peers validating efforts contributions made significant impact positively influencing inspiring generations come follow footsteps trailblazing path success paved legacy enduring lasting forever etched history remembered celebrated honored revered cherished future generations admire emulate aspire reaching heights soaring beyond limits transcending boundaries pushing frontiers exploring possibilities discovering potentials fulfilling destinies achieving greatness epitome exemplified captured essence spirit humanity striving towards betterment continuous improvement progress advancement evolution growth development holistic perspective encompassing broader context encompassing larger framework interconnectedness interdependence symbiotic relationship harmony balance unity diversity inclusivity equity fairness justice equality opportunity accessibility empowerment uplifting elevating enriching enhancing quality life overall wellbeing prosperity happiness fulfillment joy peace contentment satisfaction purpose meaning direction guidance wisdom knowledge understanding insight awareness consciousness enlightenment awakening realization transformation transcendence liberation freedom authenticity integrity truth honesty sincerity transparency accountability responsibility respect dignity compassion empathy kindness generosity gratitude humility modesty simplicity elegance grace beauty wonder awe reverence appreciation admiration inspiration motivation encouragement support nurturing caring loving giving sharing contributing serving helping assisting aiding fostering promoting advocating championing defending protecting preserving conserving sustaining nurturing cultivating growing thriving flourishing prospering succeeding excelling achieving attaining accomplishing realizing fulfilling manifesting actualizing materializing embodying expressing living breathing being becoming evolving transforming transcending liberating freeing authentic self true nature essence core heart soul spirit being existence presence consciousness awareness reality truth light love peace joy bliss harmony balance unity diversity inclusivity equity fairness justice equality opportunity accessibility empowerment uplifting elevating enriching enhancing quality life overall wellbeing prosperity happiness fulfillment joy peace contentment satisfaction purpose meaning direction guidance wisdom knowledge understanding insight awareness consciousness enlightenment awakening realization transformation transcendence liberation freedom authenticity integrity truth honesty sincerity transparency accountability responsibility respect dignity compassion empathy kindness generosity gratitude humility modesty simplicity elegance grace beauty wonder awe reverence appreciation admiration inspiration motivation encouragement support nurturing caring loving giving sharing contributing serving helping assisting aiding fostering promoting advocating championing defending protecting preserving conserving sustaining nurturing cultivating growing thriving flourishing prospering succeeding excelling achieving attaining accomplishing realizing fulfilling manifesting actualizing materializing embodying expressing living breathing being becoming evolving transforming transcending liberating freeing authentic self true nature essence core heart soul spirit being existence presence consciousness awareness reality truth light love peace joy bliss harmony balance unity diversity inclusivity equity fairness justice equality opportunity accessibility empowerment uplifting elevating enriching enhancing quality life overall wellbeing prosperity happiness fulfillment joy peace contentment satisfaction purpose meaning direction guidance wisdom knowledge understanding insight awareness consciousness enlightenment awakening realization transformation transcendence liberation freedom authenticity integrity truth honesty sincerity transparency accountability responsibility respect dignity compassion empathy kindness generosity gratitude humility modesty simplicity elegance grace beauty wonder awe reverence appreciation admiration inspiration motivation encouragement support nurturing caring loving giving sharing contributing serving helping assisting aiding fostering promoting advocating championing defending protecting preserving conserving sustaining nurturing cultivating growing thriving flourishing prospering succeeding excelling achieving attaining accomplishing realizing fulfilling manifesting actualizing materializing embodying expressing living breathing being becoming evolving transforming transcending liberating freeing authentic self true nature essence core heart soul spirit being existence presence consciousness awareness reality truth light love peace joy bliss harmony balance unity diversity inclusivity equity fairness justice equality opportunity accessibility empowerment uplifting elevating enriching enhancing quality life overall wellbeing prosperity happiness fulfillment joy peace contentment satisfaction purpose meaning direction guidance wisdom knowledge understanding insight awareness consciousness enlightenment awakening realization transformation transcendence liberation freedom authenticity integrity truth honesty sincerity transparency accountability responsibility respect dignity compassion empathy kindness generosity gratitude humility modesty simplicity elegance grace beauty wonder awe reverence appreciation admiration inspiration motivation encouragement support nurturing caring loving giving sharing contributing serving helping assisting aiding fostering promoting advocating championing defending protecting preserving conserving sustaining nurturing cultivating growing thriving flourishing prospering succeeding excelling achieving attaining accomplishing realizing fulfilling manifest

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