Major League Baseball announced the 2018 All-Star Game starters and rosters on Sunday night. The Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, and Houston Astros all had five players selected to play in the game. The resurgent Atlanta Braves had four players selected to the game, which led the way in the National League. The 89th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 17, at Nationals Park. Here is a look at a few more headlines regarding the All Star rosters.
Reigning American League Most Valuable Player, Jose Altuve, was the top vote getter this season, and will start for the American League at second base. Freddie Freeman garnered the most votes in the National League, and will start at first base. Freeman will be joined by his Braves teammate, Nick Markakis, in the starting lineup for the National League team. Markakis is one of 25 players who will be playing in their first ever All-Star Game.
The Chicago Cubs also had two players selected to start for the National League. Javier Baez beat out rookie Ozzie Albies to earn the starting spot at second base. Willson Contreras narrowly edged out Buster Posey to earn the right to start at catcher for the NL. This is the first time since 2014 that Posey is not the starting catcher for the National League, but Posey was elected as an All-Star by his peers.
Two of baseball’s biggest stars, Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, were both elected to start in the outfield for their respective leagues. Trout is having the best year of his career, and he will be appearing in his 7th straight All-Star Game. Harper will get the opportunity to play in front of his home crowd in the game, and is making his 6th straight appearance in the midsummer classic.
Tampa Bay Rays’ catcher, Wilson Ramos, will start behind the plate for the American League. White Sox star, Jose Abreu, was voted in by the fans to make his first start at 1st base. Manny Machado will represent the Baltimore Orioles in the game, and will start at shortstop for the AL. Rounding out the infield will be Jose Ramirez, who will be making his second straight start at third base. Joining Trout in the outfield will be Mookie Betts and Aaron Judge. Both players will be making their second straight start for the American League. Red Sox slugger, J.D. Martinez, was voted in by the fans as the designated hitter.
In the National League, Matt Kemp will join Markakis and Harper in the outfield. Rockies’ third baseman, Nolan Arenado, will be starting at the hot corner for the second straight year. Giants shortstop, Brandon Crawford, will be making his first career All-Star Game start, but is an All-Star for the second time.
American League Final Vote candidates are: Eddie Rosario, Andrew Benintendi, Andrelton Simmons, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jean Segura. The National League candidates are: Matt Carpenter, Max Muncy, Brandon Belt, Trea Turner, and Jesus Aguilar. The winner in each league will be announced on Wednesday night.
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