Atlanta sets a new franchise record with eight representatives on the 2023 All-Star team

Atlanta's entire infield will be on the field in Seattle, as well as outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr and pitchers Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder

MLB announced the position player reserves and pitchers for the 2023 All-Star Game, and five additional Braves will be joining starters Ronald Acuña Jr, Orlando Arcia, and Sean Murphy in Seattle for a franchise-record eight selections for the Midsummer Classic.

We’re bringing EIGHT to Seattle! ⭐️

This is the most in a single season in franchise history. It’s also the first time ever that our entire infield has been selected.#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/kRG1I8YDo5

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 2, 2023

The previous record was 2003, where seven Braves (John Smoltz, Andruw Jones, Javy Lopez, Gary Sheffield, Rafael Furcal, Russ Ortiz, and Marcus Giles) were all on the National League's roster. 

In addition to the three starters, Matt Olson (2nd selection), Ozzie Albies (3rd selection) and Austin Riley (2nd selection) were added to the team as reserves, meaning Atlanta's full infield will be represented in T-Mobile Park. 

It's the first time the team has seen its entire starting infield selected for the All-Star Game. It's testament to the hard work by not only those players, but infield coach Ron Washington. Ozzie Albies explained how Washington felt about the choice: 

“It is probably the most emotional day of my career”@ozzie gives insight on how Ron Washington feels that his entire infield is heading to the All-Star game. pic.twitter.com/XGAMFgUvtb

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) July 2, 2023

All three infielders added as reserves just narrowly lost their 2nd round voting to be starters, with Cardinals 3B Nolan Arenado, Marlins 2B Luis Arraez, and Dodgers 1B Freddie Freeman getting the nods over Riley, Albies, and Olson, respectively. 

For pitchers, both Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder were selected to the National League pitching staff, representing the first selection for either hurler. 

Bryce Elder spoke to the media after the announcement was made, and expressed how special this season was and how much being selected as an All-Star means to him. 

“It means a lot to me. This year is kinda hard to put in words. I really enjoy spending time with the guys in here, Spencer is one of them. I think we have something special goin’.”

- Bryce Elder on earning his first All-Star appearance🌟 pic.twitter.com/jbkCsNuDqG

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) July 2, 2023

It's the 2nd straight year that Atlanta's seen four first-time selections, with 2022 seeing C Travis d'Arnaud, SS Dansby Swanson, DH William Contreras, and 3B Austin Riley all making their first career appearance in the game. 

Manager Brian Snitker was able to tell the players in the clubhouse following Sunday's game, and he was ecstatic to have the honors.

“That was probably the 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 one I have ever been a part of. And I have been a part of some really cool things.”

Brian Snitker reacts to 𝟖 of his players heading to the All-Star game👇 pic.twitter.com/TWQa3aGQHT

— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) July 2, 2023

This Braves clubhouse 😁🎉#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/JTp146QaWA

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 2, 2023

pic.twitter.com/eVNXer9hD7

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 2, 2023

The 2023 All-Star Game will be played in Seattle's T-Mobile Park on July 11th, and broadcast on FOX. 

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