(Waldorf, MD.)– The Atlantic League All-Star selections were announced today, and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs will send seven players to participate in this year’s festivities. The selected players are RHP Brian Grening, RHP Gaby Hernandez, RHP Daryl Thompson, RHP Cody Eppley, 1B/DH Zach Wilson, 1B/DH Michael Snyder, and OF Devon Rodriguez. The all-star game will take place on July 12th at TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots.

The selections are highlighted by six veterans of the Blue Crabs locker room, beginning with starting pitcher Brian Grening. The right-hander, in his fourth season with the team, has been dominant in his first full season as a member of the starting rotation, and will make his first All-Star Game appearance. Grening has led the Blue Crabs staff all season, finishing the first half 6-2 with a team-low 2.89 ERA. He finished the first half in the top 10 of the league in wins, ERA, and innings pitched.

Daryl Thompson will appear in his second Atlantic League All-Star Game, in his sixth season with the Blue Crabs. The veteran will return for the first time since 2013, where he threw two scoreless innings in the game as a member of the Liberty Division. Thompson finished the first half with a 5-4 record, as well as a 3.91 ERA. Thompson led the league in innings pitched (89.2), while finishing in the top 10 in wins and strikeouts.

The Blue Crabs will send a third starting pitcher, with Gaby Hernandez joining his fellow teammates in Somerset. Hernandez, in his sixth season with Southern Maryland, will make his first appearance in the All-Star Game. The right-hander is having his best season yet with the Blue Crabs, finishing the first half 5-1 with a 3.07 ERA. Hernandez ranks second in the league in strikeouts (75), while sitting in the top 10 in wins, ERA, and innings pitched.

Closer Cody Eppley will join his teammates from the pitching staff in Somerset as well. The right-hander is in his third season with the Blue Crabs, and will be returning for his third consecutive Atlantic League All-Star Game. The veteran closer finished the first half with a 2.59 ERA, going 20/20 in save opportunities as well. He ranks second in the league in saves currently, while appearing in a league-high 33 games this season.

The pitcher’s will be joined by three position players as well, highlighted by 1B/DH Michael Snyder, heading to the All-Star Game for the second consecutive year. Snyder, who is now in his second season with the team, was voted as the Freedom Division’s starting first baseman in last year’s game. He will return to the game after another incredible first half for the Blue Crabs, hitting .283, with 16 HR and 48 RBI’s. Snyder leads the league in doubles, while also ranking second in homeruns, RBI’s, and runs scored.

Zach Wilson will join his fellow “Bash Brother” in this year’s festivities, making his first Atlantic League All-Star appearance. The 1B/DH, in his third season with the Blue Crabs, has matched Snyder’s offensive output this season to lead the middle of the Southern Maryland lineup. Wilson finished the first half hitting .288, with 12 HR, and 46 RBI’s. Wilson ranks in the top 10 in homeruns, RBI’s, and hits through the first half.

Southern Maryland will also send OF Devon Rodriguez to the game, in just his first season with the team. Although Rodriguez was a late addition to the roster, signing on May 12th, he has come in and established himself as one of the best hitters in the Atlantic League. Rodriguez is currently hitting .401 with 5 HR and 35 RBI’s. Despite appearing in just 43 games, Rodriguez still ranks in the top 20 of the league in RBI’s, hits, and doubles

“We’re happy for these guys to have their performances this season be recognized by the rest of the Atlantic League,” said Manager John Harris. “These seven have won us games all season long, and are all well deserving of the chance to represent this team and organization in the All-Star Game.”

For more information on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, or to reserve your seat today for any of the Blue Crabs upcoming home games, please visit our website at somdbluecrabs.com or call us at 301-638-9788.