Los Angeles Dodgers teammates Walker Buehler and Justin Turner were added to the National League team as 2021 MLB All-Star Game replacements. They were among 10 players announced by the league to take the spots of those who will be inactive for the 91st Midsummer Classic.
In addition to Buehler and Turner, the group of All-Star Game replacements consists of Tim Anderson of the Chicago White Sox, Chris Bassitt of the Oakland Athletics, Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals, Joey Wendle of the Tampa Bay Rays, Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals, Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers, Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals, and Taijuan Walker of the New York Mets.
Buehler and Turner give the Dodgers five All-Stars this year, though a possible sixth — Will Smith — still appears to be on track for a snub with Molina taking the spot of Buster Posey.
The Dodgers had Max Muncy, Gavin Lux, Turner, Mookie Betts and Chris Taylor all advance to Phase 2 of All-Star Game voting but failed to place one starter on the NL roster. “I think everyone is happy for the guys that were selected to the All-Star team,” manager Dave Roberts said after All-Star Game reserves were announced.
“I think there’s some level of disappointment to each guy (Buehler, Kenley Jansen and Turner). The degree individually, that’s for them to answer. But we know their value, we know they all have very strong cases in their own right to be named. I’m still hopeful that as things play out in the wash that some other guys will be named.”
Roberts also indicated Muncy will be in the lineup as the designated hitter.
This marks a second career All-Star Game selection for both Buehler and Turner. The former reached the Midsummer Classic in 2019, while the latter earned a spot on the NL team in 2017.
The Dodgers’ five All-Star Game selections is most in the NL this year.
Betts out for All-Star Game
Along with announcing replacements, MLB also named nine players who will not participate, among them being Betts. He’s designated by MLB as being out for this year’s exhibition due to injury.
The Giants’ Kevin Gausman and Brewers’ Brandon Woodruff are both starting Sunday, while other players out because of injury are Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley and Carlos Correa of theHouston Astros; Jacob deGrom of the Mets, Yu Darvish of the San Diego Padres; and Posey.
The Astros’ Ryan Pressly is out because of paternity leave.
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