The Braves had a big presence in Tuesday’s 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, even if the National League couldn’t get on the board in a 4-0 loss to the American League.
Atlanta sent five players to the Midsummer Classic: second baseman Ozzie Albies, catcher Drake Baldwin, closer Raisel Iglesias, first baseman Matt Olson and left-hander Chris Sale.
Baldwin and Albies were in the NL starting lineup, but both finished without a hit. Baldwin, making his first All-Star appearance, faced Kansas City Royals right-hander Michael Wacha and struck out looking on three pitches. He handled the first three innings behind the plate before Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras took over in the fourth.
Albies also went hitless, grounding out in both of his trips before Giants infielder Luis Arraez came in for him in the sixth inning.
Iglesias got his first All-Star nod at 36 and worked the sixth. He retired Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle and Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger, who was named All-Star Game MVP, before giving up a single to Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras. The veteran closer then induced a groundout from Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena to finish the inning.
Olson came up in the seventh against Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen and lined out to left. He popped out against Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman in the ninth, going 0-for-2 on the night. Even so, the 32-year-old Parkview High School graduate entered the break hitting .267 with 25 homers and 58 RBIs.
Sale was available to pitch before the game, but he never got into it.
Atlanta now turns back to the regular season Friday at home against the Texas Rangers, carrying a two-game lead in the NL East into the second half.
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