UPDATE (July 12, 11 a.m. PT): Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has decided on Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer to start for the National League in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will oversee the National League team in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, marking his third time doing so in the past four years. As Roberts makes decisions for his team’s lineup, fans are curious as to who he will choose for All-Star Game starter.
Of course, one option could be someone Roberts is very familiar with in Walker Buehler. The right-hander was named among the All-Star Game replacements, along with Dodgers teammate Justin Turner. However, as much as Dodgers fans would love to see their young star start All-Star Game, Roberts understands he has other names to consider for the honor.
A likely suspect for the job is future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, who was also added to the NL roster as a replacement. This marks Scherzer’s eighth career All-Star Game selection.
According to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times, Roberts is not only considering Scherzer but hometown representative German Marquez of the Colorado Rockies as well:
As much as Dave Roberts would love to start #Dodgers RHP Walker Buehler in ASG it sounds like he’s leaning more toward Max Scherzer, because Nats MGR Davey Martinez didn’t get chance to start Max last year, or #Rockies RHP German Marquez for home fans.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) July 10, 2021
Scherzer has posted a 7-4 record and a 2.66 ERA so far this season, both of which rank behind Buehler’s 9-1 record and 2.36 ERA. Still, seniority and the lost 2020 All-Star Game will likely have a greater influence on Roberts’ decision making.
Marquez not only is representing the Rockies in the Midsummer Classic, but it is his first career All-Star Game selection. So far this season, the righty has logged an 8-6 record with a 3.36 ERA, and his 19 starts are tied for the most in all of baseball.
Roberts has been fair about All-Star Game starters
Though opposing fans may worry Roberts will be biased when selecting the 2021 All-Star Game’s starting pitcher, his decisions in previous exhibitions should convince them otherwise.
In 2018, for example, Roberts started Scherzer over then-Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling. Scherzer ultimately got the nod because the All-Star Game was held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., and Roberts wanted him to pitch in front of the home crowd.
The following year, he chose Hyun-Jin Ryu not because he was a Dodger, but because he had the lowest ERA in the big leagues to that point. Now, with many viable options available, fans should feel hopeful Roberts will make the appropriate decision.
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