Wed Jul 16 02:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

Adrian Morejón, a relief pitcher for the San Diego Padres, has been named an All-Star, marking a significant achievement after a long and challenging journey. Morejón defected from Cuba as a teenager and faced numerous injuries throughout his minor and major league career. This season, he has finally found health and consistency, leading to his All-Star selection. The Padres have a total of five All-Stars this year, including Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jason Adam, and Robert Suarez. Additionally, Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks offers support to Jackson Merrill who is currently going through a sophomore slump.

**News Article:**

**Padres’ Adrian Morejón Named All-Star After Overcoming Injury-Plagued Past**

ATLANTA – Adrian Morejón’s journey to the All-Star game is one of perseverance. The San Diego Padres relief pitcher, 26, has been named as a replacement for Zack Wheeler, capping off a season of remarkable success following years of injury struggles.

Morejón’s path to the majors began with his defection from Cuba at age 15 and was consistently hampered by trips to the injured list. 2024 proved to be a turning point, as Morejón committed to a new workout regimen and adjusted his pitching mechanics, leading to a healthy and productive season.

“I know I have (been around) a long, long time; I have injuries every year. And I feel very happy that last year and this year I’m feeling healthy,” Morejón said.

This season, Morejón boasts a 1.85 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP. His 47 appearances are tied for second-most in the major leagues, making him a valuable asset in the Padres’ bullpen.

“I was never thinking last season or three years (ago) I’d be an All-Star,” Morejón admitted. “This year, the last couple weeks, everybody on the team told me, ‘You are maybe gonna be an All-Star.'”

Padres bullpen coach Ben Fritz, who was Morejón’s first manager, spoke highly of Morejón. “Just seeing his evolution through the game, it is special having the opportunity to be here from then until now and seeing it happen.”

Morejón’s selection is a source of pride for the Padres, who have a total of five players participating in this year’s All-Star Game. Manny Machado will start at third base, with Fernando Tatis Jr., Jason Adam, and Robert Suarez also representing San Diego.

Meanwhile, Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks offered words of encouragement to Padres’ center fielder Jackson Merrill, who is facing a sophomore slump. “He’s so incredibly talented that I feel like everyone’s kind of on the same page of, like, this is just a bump in the road with the kind of player he is. He’s a superstar.”

Machado will bat fifth for the National League team, managed by the Dodgers’ Dave Roberts.

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