Carroll, Rodriguez to rep D-backs at All-Star Game

PHOENIX -- Outfielder Corbin Carroll and left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez were the two Diamondbacks selected to represent the National League in this year's All-Star Game, which will be played July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

For Carroll, who was selected by the players in their vote, it's his third All-Star selection in just his fourth full season in the big leagues.

It's the first All-Star selection for Rodriguez, who has experienced a renaissance of sorts in his 11th season in the Majors. The 33-year-old was selected to the team by Major League Baseball after the fan and player voting.

“It means a lot to me, because I've been in this game for quite a long time, and to have the opportunity to go to an All-Star Game for the first time is just something amazing,” Rodriguez said.

Carroll was elected to start the All-Star Game in 2023, the same season he went on to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award. He started in left field that year and batted eighth. Last year, Carroll was elected by the players and played left and center in a reserve role. He also homered in that game.

“I've enjoyed when I've gotten to go in the past,” Carroll said. “And I just know what a great experience it is, what a great celebration of baseball. Really, really excited for it, and thankful to the team that’s got me there this year.”

Just prior to the first full squad workout of the spring, Carroll broke his right hamate bone and had to have surgery to remove it. Despite missing most of the spring and the conventional wisdom that players coming back from that injury can see some of their power diminished at first, Carroll has not missed a beat.

"I know we all were reading the same thing about your power goes away," manager Torey Lovullo said. "Well, he's different, and he started to prove to us quickly that he was ready for another amazing offensive season. He has such a great process that is so dependable, and he's just going to go out there and will his way through every single game, even on days where he doesn't feel good, and it's pretty fun to watch."

Rodriguez was signed by the Diamondbacks to a four-year, $80 million contract prior to the 2024 season and was injured for much of that first season, making just 10 starts while compiling a 5.04 ERA.

Last season, Rodriguez's health was better -- he made 29 starts -- but the results were not, as he had a 5.02 ERA and an ERA+ of 85.

This spring, Rodriguez pitched for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic and was outstanding in leading them to a WBC championship game win over Team USA. During the tournament, something seemed to click for Rodriguez, as his changeup became a real weapon for him.

The WBC success carried over into the regular season as Rodriguez has been the one constant in the Arizona rotation. He has made 17 starts and has a 2.21 ERA and a 194 ERA+.

Rodriguez credited the Arizona defense behind him for his success this year.

“That's No. 1 factor for sure, because they always play really good behind me,” Rodriguez said. “And second has been that I've been great to locate my pitches where I want, have a really good relationship with the catchers that catch me, have a really good plan, and we just go out there and execute it.”

Both players had made plans for the All-Star break, with Carroll having some pre-wedding festivities of a friend he was going to attend, while Rodriguez and his wife were going to spend the few days off in the Southern California area.

“I think he'll understand,” Carroll said with a smile.

Rodriguez said he and his wife were happy to cancel their plans and head to Philadelphia instead.

Corbin Carroll, OF
Previous All-Star appearances: 2 (2023, 2025)
Something to know: Recently passed Stephen Drew for franchise lead in triples with 53. Carroll did it in 566 career games while Drew's 52 triples came in 773 games.

Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP
Previous All-Star appearances: None
Something to know: Rodriguez has 101 wins in his career, the ninth Venezuelan-born pitcher to reach the 100-win mark.