Rockies send 4 to All-Star Game; Arenado, Blackmon voted starters
Jul 2, 2017, 9:30 PM
A historical first half calls for an equally historic representation in the All-Star Game for the Colorado Rockies.
For the first time in franchise history, the club will send four players to the Midsummer Classic — third baseman Nolan Arenado, outfielder Charlie Blackmon, second baseman D.J. LeMahieu, and closer Greg Holland — with an option for a fifth — first baseman Mark Reynolds.
Arenado and Blackmon both make the team as starters, voted on by the fans, with Holland and LeMahieu being selected as reserves.
The Rockies have sent three players to the All-Star Game on seven occasions, but never four at once.
It’ll be the third trip for Arenado and Holland and the second time for both Blackmon and LeMahieu.
Arenado also becomes the sixth Rockies player to earn three-straight All-Star Game squads, joining Dante Bichette (1994-’96), Brian Fuentes (1995-’97), Larry Walker (1997-’99), Todd Helton (2000-’04), and Troy Tulowitzki (2013-’15).
Reynolds, who did not appear on the ballot — a spot filled instead by Ian Desmond, the club’s predetermined first baseman ahead of the 2017 season — has a chance to make the squad via the MLB All-Star Game Final Vote.
In its 16th season, the Final Vote allows fans to vote in one last player to each roster. This season, Reynolds faces off with Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour, Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon, and Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner.
It’s the second time as a Final Vote participant for Reynolds, who has never been selected to an All-Star Game.
It’s also the fourth consecutive bid for a Rockies player in the Final Vote, with Justin Morneau, Troy Tulowitzki, and Trevor Story all coming up short in the previous three seasons.
Rockies fans, and Reynolds fans, can vote by heading to the MLB.com voting site, the team’s website, or texting via mobile phone “N4” to 89269.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
