Miller left 'speechless' by first All-Star nod

MILWAUKEE -- Shelby Miller experienced a much-deserved thrill Monday night, when he learned that he had gained his first All-Star selection. Barring any roster changes, Miller will serve as the Braves' lone representative at this year's Midsummer Classic.

"Honestly, when you hear it for the first time, it's pretty awesome," Miller said. "You set goals for yourself every season and this is one of the goals and stepping stones that you want to have at the end of the year. I'm just grateful for the opportunity. It's an amazing experience."

Miller was selcted via the player balloting process. Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole and Zack Greinke were the only NL pitchers to receive more votes.

Video: Miller discusses making his first All-Star team

Because Miller will start Friday against the Rockies, he will be available to pitch for the National League in the All-Star Game presented bt T-Mobile on July 14 at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park.

Voting is open now at MLB.com to select the final player for each League's 34-man roster via the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote. Fans can cast their votes from a list of five players from each League until 4 p.m. ET on Friday.

And the voting doesn't end there. During the Midsummer Classic in Cincinnati on Tuesday, July 14, fans can once again visit MLB.com to submit their choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. Voting exclusively at MLB.com, online and via their mobile devices in the 2015 All-Star Game MVP Vote presented by Chevrolet, the fans' collective voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.

MLB.TV Premium subscribers will be able to live stream the All-Star Game via MLB.TV through FOX's participating video providers. Access will be available across more than 400 supported MLB.TV platforms, including the award-winning MLB.com At Bat app. MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities, including the 2015 Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders, part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day on Monday, July 13. The Derby will feature a new format with brackets and timed rounds and will be broadcast live by ESPN and MLB.com beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

The 86th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports (7 p.m. ET air time, 8:15 first pitch), in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

Miller has certainly shown why the Braves were thrilled to acquire him in the November trade that sent Jason Heyward to the Cardinals. The 24-year-old right-hander entered Monday ranked fourth among National League pitchers in ERA (2.07) and sixth in batting average allowed (.214). He stands with Scherzer as the only two NL pitchers who have notched two shutouts this season.

"I'm really not a stats guy, I don't keep up with that too much," Miller said. "But like I said, I'm just happy and excited for the opportunity."

Miller notched one of his two shutouts when he came within one out of completing a no-hitter against the Marlins on May 17. He positioned himself for this All-Star selection as he posted a 0.95 ERA and limited opponents to a .155 batting average in his five May starts.   

"I'm a little speechless," Miller said. "It's still exciting. You don't know what to say about your first All-Star Game. But I'm blown away by it, for sure."