Some of the game’s brightest stars have descended on Miami for the 2017 MLB All-Star Game, with the exhibition game taking on a new twist.
Whereas All-Star Games of years past determined if the American League or national league would have home-field advantage in the World Series, now players are competing for a pool of money. The AL enters having won four consecutive Midsummer Classics, and seven of the last 10.
Chris sale makes a second straight start in a All-Star Game, though this is his first as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Sale went 11-4 in 18 starts during the first half of the regular season, with a 2.75 ERA,168 ERA+, 2.09 FIP and 0.90 WHIP.
Max Scherzer makes his second career all-star game start, having previously done so as a member of the Detroit tigers in 2013. Scherzer was 10-5 with a 2.10 ERA, 206 ERA+, 2.61 FIP and 0.78 WHIP through the first half.
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, who’s guiding the NL team, said Scherzer was his lock to start even if Clayton Kershaw remained eligible.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have six All-Stars for the first time since 1991, but are without a starter. Alex Wood said he’ll pitch in the fifth inning, and though Maddon holds the decision in his hands, Kenley Jansen said he expects to pitch the ninth inning.
Jansen is making his second career all-star appearance, Kershaw was selected to his seventh, Corey Seager is in his second, and Justin Turner and alex wood received their first nod.
Cody Bellinger is the first dodgers player to make the all-star game in his first season. Bellinger also became the fourth dodgers rookie to participate in the Home run derby in as many years. He was eliminated in the semifinals by New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge, who went on to win the derby.
American League lineup:
2B: Jose Altuve (Astros; fifth All-Star selection)
3B: Jose Ramirez (Indians; first)
LF: Aaron Judge (Yankees; first)
CF: George Springer (Astros; first)
SS: Carlos Correa (Astros; first)
1B: Justin Smoak (Blue Jays; first)
DH: Corey Dickerson (Rays; first selection)
C: Salvador Perez (Royals; fifth)
RF: Mookie Betts (Red Sox; second)
National League lineup:
CF: Charlie Blackmon (Rockies; second)
DH: Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins; fourth)
RF: Bryce Harper (Nationals; fifth)
C: Buster Posey (Giants; fifth)
2B: Daniel Murphy (Nationals; third)
3B: Nolan Arenado (Rockies; third)
1B: Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals; second)
LF: Marcell Ozuna (Marlins; second)
SS: Zack Cozart (Reds; first)
