The All-Star buzz is heating up, and while the Atlanta Braves have endured a rocky, injury-riddled season, they’re still expected to be well-represented when the 95th MLB All-Star Game hits the stage. Manager Brian Snitker is confident his staff has earned the right to be front and center—particularly one right-hander who’s made himself nearly impossible to ignore.
Schwellenbach: The Workhorse with All-Star Credentials
Spencer Schwellenbach has been a revelation for the Braves this season, and if you ask Snitker, he’s earned his shot at joining the All-Star elite. With 110 2/3 innings pitched—more than anyone else in the National League—Schwellenbach has been nothing short of dependable.
Add in a 3.09 ERA (11th in the NL) and a sparkling 0.97 WHIP (third-best in the league), and you’ve got the resume of a guy who belongs on the midsummer stage. Snitker thinks so, too, and he didn’t mince words. “If I don’t tell him [next] Sunday, I’ll probably tell him during the week,” Snitker said, alluding to the upcoming All-Star selection announcement.
It’s not just a managerial wish, either. Schwellenbach has a strong case to get in through the player ballot. Those are voted on by players themselves with support from the Commissioner’s Office. Even if he doesn’t make it initially, there’s always the chance he’s added as a replacement for a pitcher who opts out or can’t participate. Either way, the message is clear: Snitker believes he’s earned it.
More Braves Arms Making a Case
Schwellenbach isn’t the only Braves pitcher turning heads. Chris Sale, despite his current IL stint, leads the NL with a 2.52 ERA and is still top-five in strikeouts. That’s a testament to just how dominant he’s been when healthy.
Meanwhile, lefty Dylan Lee has quietly pieced together a brilliant campaign in relief. His 1.72 ERA ranks seventh among all NL relievers. “All three have pitched well and deserve to be on that team,” Snitker emphasized.
Acuña Jr. Likely to Lead the Position Player Charge
Then there’s Ronald Acuña Jr., who, despite the Braves’ ups and downs, continues to draw national attention. He’s moved on to the second phase of fan voting for a starting outfield spot. While nothing is official yet, it would be a shock if he isn’t suiting up with the National League squad once the roster is locked in.
Braves Still Bringing Star Power
This year, the All-Star rosters are built through a mix of player votes and Commissioner’s Office input. Managers no longer make the final calls outside of naming the starting pitcher. But while every team must have at least one representative, the Braves should have multiple players worthy of the honor, even in a season that hasn’t gone to script.
The team may be battling for consistency, but their stars—especially on the mound—have delivered All-Star-caliber performances. Now, it’s up to the process to make sure they get the recognition.
