Blackmon, Story, Dahl join Arenado as All-Stars

July 2nd, 2019

DENVER -- The selections of outfielders and and shortstop as National League reserves for this year’s All-Star Game at Progressive Field in Cleveland -- to go along with starting third baseman , who will make his fifth consecutive appearance -- form a loud statement about the Rockies' offensive quality.

The quartet ties the 2017 club record for All-Stars. That year, they sent Arenado, Blackmon, second baseman DJ LeMahieu and relief pitcher Greg Holland. This is the first time the Rockies will send four position players.

“That just goes to show you how good the offense is,” said Blackmon, who is going to the Midsummer Classic for the fourth time. “You don’t make it to the All-Star team without RBIs, scoring runs and that kind of thing. It’s really a testament to how the offense is, top to bottom.

“There are a lot of guys that maybe aren’t making it to the All-Star Game that are a big reason why I will be there, David will be there, and Trevor and Nolan, too.”

The All-Star announcement was a reason to smile after a 10-5 loss to the Dodgers to complete a not disastrous, but not desired, four-game split of a series at Coors Field. But two of the All-Stars -- Dahl and Blackmon -- each homered.

“We feel like we’re a good offense, and we do a lot of great things,” said Arenado, batting .320 with 20 home runs and 65 RBIs. “To have four of us there is amazing.”

After the starters were announced, the remaining All-Star Game roster spots -- 24 in the NL, 23 in the American League -- were filled via the player ballot and the Commissioner’s Office. The player ballot filled 16 of 24 available spots in the NL and 17 of 23 in the AL, and the Commissioner’s Office filled the remainder.

As has been the case since 2017, the AL and NL managers had no say in roster construction.

All three of the Rockies' reserves made it via the player ballot. That aspect was especially moving for Dahl, who wasn't even in the top 20 among outfielders in primary fan voting. This year, fans voted in a primary, choosing finalists for the Starters Election.

While Dahl didn't advance, his fellow players corrected that issue.

“That’s an honor to hear that, see all the hard work pay off,” said Dahl, who has 12 homers to go with his .317 batting average. “I’m very excited and blessed for this opportunity.”

Blackmon went deep in Sunday's ninth inning off Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias to raise his season total to 20 (he had none in his first 17 games this season) and to make June a month to remember. He hit .312 (40-for-97) with 30 runs, 10 home runs, seven doubles and two triples in 22 June games. He has also reached base in all 30 games at Coors Field this season.

“I want to make it,” Blackmon said. “I don’t want to feel like I’m left out. But I don’t play to try and make it. As long as I feel like I’m helping the Rockies win games, that’s my goal. Hopefully, that turns into individual success like the All-Star Game.”

Story spent Sunday going 1-for-3 for Triple-A Albuquerque in what was expected to be the end of a two-game injury rehab assignment. He has missed 11 games with a right thumb sprain. Before he returned to the lineup Tuesday night against the Astros, Story was hitting .294 with 17 home runs, 48 RBIs and a team-high 12 stolen bases.

While Story, Arenado and Blackmon have made the All-Star team in past seasons, this is Dahl's first trip, and Rockies manager Bud Black was excited to see him included.

“There was a mantra on his own to make a statement about the type of player he is, and he’s done it,” Black said of Dahl. “The other three guys have proven their talent as well.

“Nolan has been recognized for a number of years. To see Trev being recognized again, I think he’s becoming known as one of the best shortstops in the game. It takes a couple years to get on the national map. And Charlie is also in that category as well, as somebody that is so well-respected by his peers and coaches and managers.”

The 2019 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard will be televised July 9 nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 180 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage in the United States, while ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.

During the game, fans may visit MLB.com and the 30 club sites to submit their choices for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. For more information about MLB All-Star Week and to purchase tickets, please visit AllStarGame.com and follow @MLB and @AllStarGame on social media.