theScore's guide to the 2017 MLB All-Star Game
MLB All-Star Game
Where: Marlins Park, Miami
When: Tuesday, July 11, 8 p.m. ET
TV: FOX (U.S.); Sportsnet (Canada)
Welcome to Miami.
This year marks the beginning of a new era, or a return to old traditions. For the first time in 15 seasons, the MLB All-Star Game will not determine which league receives home-field advantage in the World Series.
The All-Star Game is a day away, but the lineups are in. pic.twitter.com/yHi3dDajxS
— ESPN (@espn) July 10, 2017
Tuesday marks the 88th All-Star Game in MLB history. The American League has won the last four games and 16 of the last 20. With one draw in the mix over the last two decades, the AL will tie the NL at 43 All-Star Game victories should the team win tonight.
Starting pitchers
AL: Chris Sale, Boston Red Sox (11-4, 2.75 ERA)
NL: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (10-5, 2.10 ERA)
American League Roster
Position Players
| Position | Player | Team | All-Star Selections |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Salvador Perez | Royals | 5 |
| 1B | Justin Smoak | Blue Jays | 1 |
| 2B | Jose Altuve | Astros | 5 |
| 3B | Jose Ramirez | Indians | 1 |
| SS | Carlos Correa | Astros | 1 |
| OF | Aaron Judge | Yankees | 1 |
| OF | George Springer | Astros | 1 |
| OF | Mookie Betts | Red Sox | 2 |
| DH | Corey Dickerson | Rays | 1 |
| - | - | - | - |
| C | Gary Sanchez | Yankees | 1 |
| 1B | Yonder Alonso | Athletics | 1 |
| 2B | Jonathan Schoop | Orioles | 1 |
| 2B | Robinson Cano | Mariners | 8 |
| 3B | Miguel Sano | Twins | 1 |
| 3B | Mike Moustakas | Royals | 2 |
| SS | Francisco Lindor | Indians | 2 |
| OF | Michael Brantley | Indians | 2 |
| OF | Avisail Garcia | White Sox | 1 |
| OF | Justin Upton | Tigers | 4 |
| DH | Nelson Cruz | Mariners | 5 |
Mookie Betts replaced Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout in the starting lineup since Trout is still rehabbing his thumb injury. Justin Upton and Robinson Cano were added to the team in Trout's and Starlin Castro's absences, respectively.
Pitchers
| Position | Player | Team | All-Star Selections |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP | Chris Sale | Red Sox | 6 |
| SP | Jason Vargas | Royals | 1 |
| SP | Lance McCullers | Astros | 1 |
| SP | Chris Archer | Rays | 2 |
| SP | Ervin Santana | Twins | 2 |
| SP | Luis Severino | Yankees | 1 |
| RP | Craig Kimbrel | Red Sox | 6 |
| RP | Andrew Miller | Indians | 2 |
| RP | Dellin Betances | Yankees | 4 |
| RP | Chris Devenski | Astros | 1 |
| RP | Roberto Osuna | Blue Jays | 1 |
| RP | Brandon Kintzler | Twins | 1 |
Manager: Brad Mills, Indians (replacing Terry Francona)
Chris Devenski, Roberto Osuna, and Brandon Kintzler were late additions when it was announced Yu Darvish, Michael Fulmer, Corey Kluber, and Dallas Keuchel were not going to participate.
Ervin Santana is an All-Star for the first time since he was with the Los Angeles Angels in 2008. That's the longest drought for any player in this year's game.
National League Roster
Position Players
| Position | Player | Team | All-Star Selections |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Buster Posey | Giants | 5 |
| 1B | Ryan Zimmerman | Nationals | 2 |
| 2B | Daniel Murphy | Nationals | 3 |
| 3B | Nolan Arenado | Rockies | 3 |
| SS | Zack Cozart | Reds | 1 |
| OF | Charlie Blackmon | Rockies | 2 |
| OF | Bryce Harper | Nationals | 5 |
| OF | Marcell Ozuna | Marlins | 2 |
| - | - | - | - |
| C | Yadier Molina | Cardinals | 8 |
| 1B | Paul Goldschmidt | Diamondbacks | 5 |
| 1B | Joey Votto | Reds | 5 |
| 1B/OF | Cody Bellinger | Dodgers | 1 |
| 2B | Josh Harrison | Pirates | 2 |
| 2B | D.J. LeMahieu | Rockies | 2 |
| 3B | Jake Lamb | Diamondbacks | 1 |
| 3B | Justin Turner | Dodgers | 1 |
| SS | Corey Seager | Dodgers | 2 |
| OF | Giancarlo Stanton | Marlins | 4 |
| OF | Michael Conforto | Mets | 1 |
| OF | Ender Inciarte | Braves | 1 |
No replacements were needed for the NL lineup. Molina is the most decorated All-Star at this year's game, playing in his eighth. It's a testament to how competitive first base has been that Paul Goldschmidt and Joey Votto are backups to the resurgent Ryan Zimmerman, who is in his first Midsummer Classic since 2009.
Pitchers
| Position | Player | Team | All-Star Selections |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP | Max Scherzer | Nationals | 5 |
| SP | Carlos Martinez | Cardinals | 2 |
| SP | Zack Greinke | Diamondbacks | 4 |
| SP | Robbie Ray | Diamondbacks | 1 |
| SP | Stephen Strasburg | Nationals | 3 |
| SP | Alex Wood | Dodgers | 1 |
| RP | Kenley Jansen | Dodgers | 2 |
| RP | Corey Knebel | Brewers | 1 |
| RP | Wade Davis | Cubs | 3 |
| RP | Greg Holland | Rockies | 3 |
| RP | Brad Hand | Padres | 1 |
| RP | Pat Neshek | Phillies | 2 |
Manager: Joe Maddon, Cubs
Alex Wood replaces teammate Clayton Kershaw who was unable to play in the All-Star Game after starting Sunday afternoon against the Kansas City Royals.
Watch: 2016 All-Star Game highlights
Past All-Star Game Results
- 2007: AL 5, NL 4 - MVP: Ichiro Suzuki
- 2008: AL 4, NL 3 - MVP: J.D. Drew
- 2009: AL 4, NL 3 - MVP: Carl Crawford
- 2010: NL 3, AL 1 - MVP: Brian McCann
- 2011: NL 5, AL 1 - MVP: Prince Fielder
- 2012: NL 8, AL 0 - MVP: Melky Cabrera
- 2013: AL 3, NL 0 - MVP: Mariano Rivera
- 2014: AL 5, NL 3 - MVP: Mike Trout
- 2015: AL 6, NL 3 - MVP: Mike Trout
- 2016: AL 4, NL 2 - MVP: Eric Hosmer
Most Valuable Player Candidates
Because pitchers rarely pitch long enough to make much of an impression, they aren't likely to gain consideration for the MVP award. Since 1990, only Pedro Martinez (1999) and Mariano Rivera (2013) have done so.
Marcell Ozuna or Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins
Possibly even rarer than a pitcher winning the MVP award is a player from the host team getting the accolades. Pedro did it when the Boston Red Sox hosted the game in 1999 and Sandy Alomar did it in Cleveland two years before. And that's it. Since MLB introduced the All-Star Game MVP award in 1962, they are the only two players to win it in their home parks.
And yet, Ozuna and Stanton are the favorites. Maybe they'll break the spell. If either one of them sets the fish sculpture ablaze it will definitely push the needle in their favor.
Bryce Harper, Nationals
Without Trout, Harper would possibly be the least surprising winner. Harper has won the NL Rookie of the Year and the league MVP over his six seasons. He's made the All-Star roster in five of his six seasons. He doesn't turn 25 until October. It seems like only a matter of time before he takes home this trophy, as well. But first, the National League has to win the game.
Aaron Judge, Yankees
Why not add another floor to the house of Judge? His storybook rookie season could leap into an even greater stratosphere if he goes yard in his first All-Star Game.
Jose Altuve and the other Astros
The Astros have three starters in the game. With the best first-half record in the majors, it makes sense. If Altuve plays like he did in Toronto over the weekend - 9-for-14 with a home run, five runs scored, four RBIs and a stolen base - he's a lock. If he doesn't, either Carlos Correa or George Springer could fit the bill.
Cody Bellinger, Dodgers
The youth movement in MLB has been underway for a while now, but it may never have been as pronounced as it is this season. Bellinger has been as impressive as Judge while also being four years his junior. Imagine a scenario where Bellinger is the one responsible for delaying the AL's ascent with one clutch swing of the bat. That would do it.
To the winners go the spoils ... of pride
Both managers agree the All-Star Game is going to be a participation-trophy event. Said they want to get almost all the players in the game.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 10, 2017
By removing the stipulation that the winning league earns home-field advantage for the team that makes it to the World Series, it also removes the one definitive outcome from the game itself.
Now, the winner gets bragging rights, though even that is possibly dulled by interleague play's continued presence. Winning the All-Star Game doesn't actually do anything for the team that wins.
And maybe that's perfectly fine. It's an exhibition game. It's a reminder baseball is supposed to be fun, and there will be smiles aplenty for those who are present. The pressure is off for at least one night.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)