'It is what it is': Markakis hardly stoked over 1st career All-Star nod

Nick Markakis has played more games than anyone since breaking into the big leagues in 2006, so the 34-year-old outfielder always looks forward to those precious four days in July when he gets to rest his weary bones and relax with his family.

This year, however, Markakis won't get a proper All-Star break. In his 13th major-league season, he's an All-Star, albeit somewhat grudgingly.

"To play every day throughout your career - it's a 162-game season - four days off is definitely nice, especially if you go home and spend it with the family," Markakis told Gary Phillips of Sporting News. "It's a nice break from the game, but it is what it is. I'm just doing what I can to help my team win as many games as I can. If that comes with going to the All-Star Game, so be it."

Indeed, Markakis - now in the final season of a four-year, $44-million deal - has been an unlikely superstar for the resurgent Atlanta Braves, and the fans certainly took notice. Markakis, who's hitting .322/.389/.490 (140 OPS+) with 10 home runs and 27 doubles through 89 games, will start in next week's All-Star Game at Nationals Park, having received more votes (3,556,469) than every other National League outfielder.

No player has ever played in more major-league games than Markakis before earning his first All-Star nomination.

"It's well overdue," said Ryan Flaherty, Markakis' brother-in-law and teammate. "You don't find a player with a resume like his that hasn't been to one. I kind of thought it was unique. I was kind of hoping he would keep building his resume and not make one, but I'm excited for him, for sure."