AL outfield headlines All-Star picks
Mike Trout, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts form a dream outfield in the American League. Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer make up a not-so-gracious welcoming committee for the National League.
Power in the center of power. A capital-sized All-Star Game.
Baseball unveiled the rosters for its midsummer showcase Sunday night, featuring an imposing American League lineup, and Harper starting at his home ballpark in Washington.
Reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve was one of five All-Stars from the World Series champion Houston Astros, matching the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians for most in the majors.
The New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves each had four, including rookie Gleyber Torres from the Bronx Bombers and fellow second baseman Ozzie Albies from the surprising Braves.
“It’s fun. You’re playing, but you’re looking around because you’re playing with all those big boys out there,” said Altuve, who made the AL team for the sixth time.
Torres is on the disabled list with a hip injury and unlikely to participate.
But while he and Albies are just 21 years old, the list of 25 first-time All-Stars also includes thirty-something surprises such as Boston first baseman Mitch Moreland, Texas Rangers slugger Shin-Soo Choo and Atlanta outfielder Nick Markakis.
“It’s something that I didn’t know it would ever be quite possible,” Moreland said. “I’m definitely excited about the opportunity and
appreciative of having that opportunity.”
Trout is working on perhaps the best season of his stellar career with the Los Angeles Angels. Judge has 25 home runs and 58 RBI for the Yankees, and Betts is batting .342 with 22 home runs for the major league-leading Red Sox.
But that’s just the beginning for the AL. Altuve led the fan balloting with 4.8 million votes. Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado will make the short trip down to D.C. for the July 17 game with speculation increasing about his future ahead of the trade deadline.
Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu, Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez, Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez and Tampa Bay Rays catcher Wilson Ramos round out the AL’s starting lineup.
“The best part is being with all the guys. You’re on the biggest stage with the best,” said Trout, who was selected for the seventh year in a row — tying Boston ace Chris Sale for the longest active streak.
Harper was voted a starter for the fourth consecutive year. The slugger, who is eligible for free agency after this season, is batting just .218 for disappointing Washington but has 21 home runs and 50 RBI.
He was joined by ace righthander Max Scherzer and reliever Sean Doolittle from the Nationals. Scherzer, a threetime Cy Young Award winner, could get the start in his home ballpark.
“That’d be an unbelievable experience,” he said in an interview on ESPN.
Nationals shortstop Trea Turner could join Scherzer and Co. if he wins the online vote for the 32nd and final National League roster spot. Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar, Giants first baseman Brandon Belt, Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter and Dodgers infielder Max Muncy also are in the mix.
“Very excited to represent the Nationals in D.C.,” Harper said. “Looking forward to this week to hopefully get one of our other teammates in there as well.”
The AL candidates in online balloting are Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi (Arkansas Razorbacks), Twins outfielder Eddie Rosario, Mariners shortstop Jean Segura, Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons and Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
Markakis and Matt Kemp will join Harper in the NL outfield. Markakis has been a key performer for the Braves and made an All-Star team for the first time in his 13 major league seasons. Kemp’s return to the Los Angeles Dodgers has been a smashing success.
The Chicago Cubs will have two starters after catcher Willson Contreras and second baseman Javier Baez each won a close race at their position in fan balloting.