What happened: Atlanta left-hander Chris Sale participated in MLB Network media day interviews on July 13 ahead of the midsummer exhibition. The veteran pitcher enters the break after helping his club reach a 50-37 regular-season record.
Why it matters: The selection comes less than two weeks after Chris Sale reached 500 strikeouts with the Braves during a start on July 5. Atlanta currently holds a plus-one run differential margin per contest, scoring an average of 4.8 runs while allowing 3.8 across 87 games.
By the numbers: Atlanta posted a 17-2 road victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 2 for its largest margin of victory this season. The club went 3-2 over its last five regular-season contests, capped by a 4-3 final win against the St. Louis Cardinals.
What to watch: Sale and the National League roster will compete in the All-Star Game following media festivities. Regular-season schedule play resumes for Atlanta after the midsummer break.