Josiah Gray, 25, told reporters he was “shocked”. Quoted by MASN writer Bobby Blancolearned he was named the sole representative of the 2023 Washington Nationals. MLB All-Star Game in Seattle.
“It was a shock,” Gray continued, “because I think there are two other guys who really deserve it.”
Third-year major leaguer acquired by the Nationals. los angeles dodgers By the 2021 trading deadline (As part of the return to both Max Scherzer and Trea Turner) named teammates Lane Thomas and Jaymer Candelario as two players he thought deserved the same rating.
“Hopefully they can find their way there,” he added. But did he receive word of his own choice?
“Just be present at the moment and hear your name and everything that goes with it,” he said. It’s really cool to have gotten this far and I will always cherish it. ”
“He was in a real shock, a real shock,” admitted Knots skipper Davey Martinez after breaking the news to the starters at the visiting team’s clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park earlier this month. rice field.
“I had him address the team, as he always does, and he got very emotional and thanked his teammates. He said, “Without you guys, this probably wouldn’t have been possible.” He said, ‘I represent you,’ which is great. ”
“I just kind of stopped,” said Gray. As a kid, I’ve dreamed of playing baseball at this level for years, but being named an All-Star is kind of the pinnacle. So when I heard my name, I was so happy and it was so special to be able to share that name with everyone and hug them. ”
In the first half of the 2023 season, Gray started 18 games and appeared in 100 games, posting a 3.41 ERA, 4.79 FIP, 47 walks, 92 kicks and a .253/.339/.415 batting average. 1⁄3 In IP, a year after he posted a 4.40 ERA, 5.21 FIP, 39 walks, 106 Ks, and a .227/.312/.448 batting average in 92 IPs before the 2022 hiatus.
Gray was hitting 38 homers last season, the most in MLB, but last year he allowed 21 homers (2.05 HR/9) in the first half. He has allowed 14 homers so far this season (1.26).
What’s different about the Nationals’ starters this season?
“Just choose, use it, rely on yourself and be smarter,” Gray said shortly after learning he was an All-Star.
“I’ve gotten a little better at keeping my players off balance.
Photo credit: Liv Lyons/MLB Photos via Getty Images
“It’s been a culmination and a real success. But like I said, the work isn’t over here. We still have more than three months left.”
Gray elaborated on his thoughts when he talked about what’s different about being an All-Star out of T-Mobile Park this year.
“For me, the pitch mix was the first thing,” Gray said of the changes he made. “Introducing cutters (16.8%) and throwing more sinkers (11.4%, up from 3.7% in 2022). Just throwing inside is beneficial for both left-handed and right-handed players. I’m trying to keep streamlining my deliveries a little bit, and just a little more — I think I’ll have a little more flow, and if I’m walking I’m trying not to catch up too much dude here. You can get a double play, you can get a pop-up, you can get out of a tight spot, you just don’t get stuck in too many holes.”
His hard work rewarded with success on the mound and being selected to the National League roster for the Midsummer Classic means a lot to pitchers and the rebooting ball club.
“Great,” Martinez said when asked about Gray getting the chance. “We always talk about Josiah, what he’s been up to, how he’s grown and where he is now. But this is big for one of our young players. I love him.” I’m proud of him He’s learning a lot and getting better He’s getting better every time he goes out He understands what he needs to do to be successful But to make the All-Star team and to be on the first team is great, and I’m proud of him.”
“He’s one of our young starters and he’s doing well,” added the sixth-year coach. We exchanged a few sentences with each other very emotionally and then fell apart, [it’s] Of course. he deserves it. He works really hard every day. What I always talk about is you guys get to see him every five days and I see him every day and how much time he spends getting better so I is proud of him I’m really he deserves to be there. He will represent us well. ”
Gray credits the changes and tweaks he’s made, as well as how his first two seasons have played a role in his development. What has he learned in 2021-22?
“I’m just preparing every day for everything that comes with being a major league baseball player,” Gray said this week. “And this year has been great just to be in the clubhouse where the players are starting to improve day by day. I’m just trying to do my best.” It’s been going really well so far, so I’m really looking forward to the future. ”
Of course, there is a lot to learn, and Gray said he will use his election opportunity to learn what he can learn from his fellow All-Stars.
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Photo credit: Daniel Shirey/MLB Photo credit: Getty Images
“I’m sitting next to [Pirates’ reliever David] with Bednar [Braves’ starter] “Spencer Strider, so I’m going to see their brains as to how good their fastball is,” said Gray, “…and learn as best I can in the next two days. , just bring a little hint to the game,” Seasons. “
Gray said Monday that the highlight of his stay in Seattle so far was being named an All-Star.
“The highlight was walking around the hotel and feeling like we were around the All-Stars,” he said.
“Reasonable people say I’m one of them. And I can just accept that. Every little thing is really cool and I can just enjoy it.”
Gray took to the mound to make his All-Star debut in the bottom of the third inning of the 93rd All-Star Game, taking turns dismissing three batters he faced within 15 pitches, throwing nine strikes and stealing one. .
