The American and National League’s best, er, most available square off in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Yes, it’s All-Star week, which means tonight is the All-Star game, which means this is the final MLB-endorsed event until games restart on Friday. For some, especially Mariners fans, that might sound like a blessing. Those fans will be heartened to know Randy Arozarena is the Mariners only representative this year, and he’s not in this evening’s starting lineup. They cannot hurt you today, probably.
The AL has put together an excellent lineup and Ernie Clement. Mike Trout leads off followed by Yordan Alvarez and Shea Langeliers, completing a Western top third. Junior Caminero and Bobby Witt Jr. hit fourth and fifth as the league’s best players. The AL lacks star power on the mound, but Dylan Cease is perhaps the one exception; he’s the current favorite for the AL Cy Young this year. It’s not clear if or when Arozarena will make it into the game, though if it ends in a tie, he will once again be part of the swing off.
The NL’s lineup includes three Dodgers, two Phillies, two Braves, a Met and a National. They’ll also have a third Philly with Cristopher Sánchez on the mound. It’s an All-Star Game. They’re a great team, even they’re only representing a third of their league in the starting lineup.
I’m going to be brave and say the AL wins this one 6-4. Witt hits a homer and a double and wins the MVP. Arozarena comes off the bench and gets hit by a pitch.
Lineups
Game Info
First Pitch: 5:00 p.m.
TV: FOX
