Rogers 'still in shock' over ASG selection

From the beginning of the season, Marlins lefty Trevor Rogers has put the league on notice. Now, the rookie has been selected as a reserve for the 2021 MLB All-Star Game.

“It's gonna take a little bit to get used to," said Rogers. "It's an honor. Being an All-Star my first year, can't get much better than that. Still in shock a little bit, still need to let it sink in and just super grateful.”

• MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard: July 13 on FOX

Rogers found out he was heading to Colorado following a meeting with Marlins manager Don Mattingly on Sunday morning prior to Miami's 8-7 loss to Atlanta in 10 innings.

“I just went to Donnie's office and he said, just, 'Congratulations, you're going to Colorado,'" Rogers said. "Still, I was in shock when he told me that and I'm still in shock now.”

Rogers has been on a tear in his first full season in the Majors, holding opponents to three runs or fewer in each of his 16 starts. His 2.14 ERA ranks sixth among qualified National League starters. Rogers is leading qualified MLB rookies in several categories, including ERA, wins (seven) and strikeouts (110). Over his last two starts, Rogers has posted 15 strikeouts over 10 2/3 innings. On June 23, Rogers became the first Marlins rookie to strike out 100 or more batters in their first 15 starts of a season, and the first left-handed rookie to do so for any team since Clayton Kershaw in 2011.

Rogers was named NL Rookie of the Month in both April and May, making him the fourth Marlins player to earn the honor twice in one season.

“I can't really ask for a whole lot more,” said Rogers. “Really great first half. I mean, just tip my hat to my teammates and coaches for getting me here. I learned a lot, went through some ups and downs. Just continue to get better -- that's all I can do at this point."

Twelve pitchers were selected to the NL team, with Rogers joining Milwaukee’s Josh Hader as the only southpaws. The last time a Marlins rookie made an All-Star Game was Sandy Alcantara in 2019. So far this season, Rogers, Alcantara and Pablo López have been a dangerous trio for opposing offenses. They have combined for a 2.71 ERA and 301 strikeouts on the season.

“Probably the Home Run Derby,” said Rogers on what he’s looking forward to most about the All-Star experience. “Just being around all those guys from around the league. Just to get to know them and pick their brains a little bit and really just have a good time. ... [I'm] really excited to see the best guys in the league hit bombs.”