Washington Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto is having what’s considered a down year. Yet, the 23-year old is still heading to his second straight All-Star Game appearance. Soto was named as a reserve outfielder.
All-Star Game reserves and pitchers were named Sunday. This nod exemplifies the respect he has from opposing National League managers and players. The All-Star Game will be played July 19 in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium.
Soto struggled through for nearly the first three months of the season. His batting average dipped to a woeful .214 as of June 22. But he has since gained steam.
He had an eight-game hit streak before leaving a July 3 game with a calf injury in the fourth. After being sat out of the lineup for two games, Soto got back on track with four straight two-hit games. That while hitting a home run in each of the last two games.
On Sunday against the Atlanta Braves, Soto improved his hit streak to 13 games going 1-for-3 while drawing two walks and scoring a run in the Nats’ 4-3 loss.
His recent surge has pushed his average to .243 while having a respectable .398 on-base percentage and a .473 slugging percentage. He leads MLB with 73 walks after Sunday’s contest.
Soto is the Nationals’ lone representative for MLB’s Mid-Summer Classic. Nationals first baseman Josh Bell was one of the most notable All-Star Game snubs. But the National League is loaded at first base. But with the club holding a 30-55 record it’s hard to argue for multiple selections for a last place team.
Soto will join his manager Dave Martinez in Los Angeles. Martinez was picked to be on the NL coaching staff by Atlanta Braves skipper Brian Snitker.
