Josiah Gray makes his first All-Star Game as Nationals representative

This season with the Washington Nationals, pitcher Josiah Gray has managed to take his game to another level.

And now he’ll have an All-Star appearance to show for it.

Gray was named to the National League’s roster Sunday for the Midsummer Classic, making the event in his third season as a pro. The 25-year-old was the Nationals’ lone representative as MLB requires at least one player from every game to make the All-Star Game. 

Josiah Gray is an All-Star. 🥺

🌟 @JGrayy_ 🌟 pic.twitter.com/HbUmKOkkGj

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 2, 2023

Still, Gray is more than deserving. This season, Gray has touted a 3.50 ERA in 17 starts — a dramatic improvement from his 5.42 and 5.08 ERA over his first two seasons. The Nationals acquired Gray in 2021 from the Los Angeles Dodgers when the pitcher was part of a blockbuster trade involving ace Max Scherzer and shortstop Trea Turner.  As a starter, Gray is 6-6 this season and has managed to cut down on his home runs allowed. 

Gray earned the nod as Washington’s lone All-Star over outfielder Lane Thomas, who has had a strong campaign as the Nationals’ leadoff hitter. Thomas, also acquired at the 2021 deadline in a deal with St. Louis, was hitting .303 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs entering Sunday’s action. 

This year’s All-Star Game takes place July 11 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.