Miami Marlins Infielder Luis Arraez Helps NL Keep Pace in 2023 MLB All-Star Game
Even though Tuesday night's MLB All-Star Game won't count towards his regular season stats, Miami Marlins second baseman Luis Arraez kept swinging the bat like he was trying to make history.
Arraez started at second for the National League, hitting out of the No. 6 hole at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The infielder recorded singles in each of his two at-bats, even driving in a game-tying run midway through the Midsummer Classic.
The Marlins' star opened his night with a single to center in the top of the second inning. The next time Arraez stepped into the batter's box, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter JD Martinez was on second with one out in the fourth.
Arraez singled through the right side to bring Martinez home and tie the score at 1-1, helping the NL answer Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Yandy Diaz's solo home run in the second. Arraez tried to add even more value on the basepaths by stealing second, but a video review showed that he was out.
Following the eventful inning, Arraez spoke to the FOX's Tom Verducci in the NL dugout. The young Venezuelan star compared his approach at the plate to Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew and Ichiro Suzuki.
It remains to be seen if Arraez can replicate those players' Hall of Fame careers, but he is at least within reach of making history this season. Fresh off of winning the 2022 American League batting title with the Minnesota Twins, Arraez only picked things up after getting dealt to the Marlins in January.
Arraez leads all players with a .383 batting average so far this season, and that mark was over .400 as recently as June 24. Ted Williams' .406 season in 1941 is the most famous benchmark Arraez is shooting for, but he could also become the first player to hit over .380 since Gwynn in 1994.
The second baseman also leads the NL in hits with 126 and on-base percentage at .434. Despite only hitting three home runs through 86 games, Arraez's OPS is sitting at .905.
Arraez was pulled from the All-Star Game in the fifth inning, as Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies came in to replace him. The AL jumped ahead of the NL 2-1 in the seventh inning.
Arraez is likely a contender to win the game's MVP due to his key RBI and perfect day at the plate, but the NL is on the verge of losing its 10th-consecutive All-Star Game.
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