Saturday afternoon was a notable day for the Washington Nationals for several reasons. They were able to welcome a handful of new players into the organization, including 1st-rounder and local DMV product Chris Hacopian, who now gets a chance to work his way up to the big leagues to play for his childhood team.
The game was also notable as the Nationals' bullpen blew yet another game late to the New York Yankees, continuing a brutal stretch for the unit in which they might be on pace to shatter the single-season blown saves record. However, there was another bright spot that came out on Saturday for the organization as well, continuing one of the best stories of the 2026 season.
Foster Griffin earns 1st career All-Star selection after stellar first half
After weeks of myself and Nationals fans across social media campaigning for the league to make things right, the best pitcher on the upstart Nationals club was finally added to the 2026 National League All-Star roster. Foster Griffin earned his 1st career All-Star selection on Saturday afternoon, becoming the first Nationals starting pitcher to be selected since Max Scherzer in 2021.
Griffin will now join CJ Abrams and James Wood, who were both selected previously, with Abrams being named as the NL's starting shortstop as well. Griffin has been fantastic for the Nationals this season, and has emerged as the team's true ace so far this season.
His stats speak for themselves, with a 10-2 record to go along with a 2.77 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, there have simply not been a lot of pitchers that have been better than him this season so far. After a handful of pitchers ahead of him dropped out due to either pitching this weekend, or injuries, as in the case of Jacob Misiorowski, the door ended up swinging open for Griffin.
Part of what also likely helped was the fact that Phillies ace Zack Wheeler declined his invitation to the game, as he said he felt disrespected by being treated like a "fifth option" and not making the team originally. While he might have a very good point, Griffin getting into the game instead is a great consolation prize for Nationals fans who have been vying for the 30-year-old lefty to get some deserved respect.
What do you think of Foster Griffin's addition to this year's All-Star Game in Philadelphia? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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