Marlins Send Meyer, Lopez to MLB All-Star Game

Major League Baseball announced that Miami Marlins starting pitcher Max Meyer and shortstop Otto Lopez have been added to the National League All-Star roster for the first time in their respective careers.

It’s the first time since 2023 that the Marlins will have two representatives in the MLB All-Star Game, which takes place on Tuesday, July 14, in Philadelphia, Pa.

The starting lineups of both leagues are decided by the voting public, while the reserves and pitching staff are chosen by current players, coaches, and managers, who vote on a player ballot.

Meyer was undeniable this year. The 27-year-old right-hander broke out with a 9-1 record, 2.53 ERA, and 112 strikeouts through 18 starts. Pitching like the ace of the staff, Meyer led the Marlins (47-42) in strikeouts, opponents’ batting average (.205), and WHIP (1.11).

Otto Lopez demonstrated why he was worthy of being selected as a National League All-Star shortstop. He went 3-for-5 with a home run and double to increase his MLB-leading batting average to .341 on the season.

That, paired with a dominating start from Sandy Alcantara, led the Marlins to a dominating 7-2 win over the Athletics on Saturday to win their eighth game in their last 11.

Alcantara has now won seven straight starts after striking out a season-high eight batters over eight innings against the Athletics. Alcantara (10-4) allowed one run on six hits and issued only one walk. Tyler Zuber worked a scoreless ninth to seal the win.

There’s a bit of poetic irony for Lopez to receive the All-Star announcement in Sacramento, which is also the home of the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A affiliate. Lopez was a member of the RiverCats when he was designated for assignment by the Giants in 2024 and claimed off waivers by the Marlins, where his career took off.

Lopez was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, but raised in Canada. His professional career started when he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as an International free agent on July 4, 2017.

Lopez’s MLB debut on August 17, 2021, was his only game with the Blue Jays that year. He later played eight more games in the Show in 2022.