Gamethread: NL All-Stars vs. AL All-Stars

After a thrilling Home Run Derby last night, it is time for the annual Midsummer Classic.

Four White Sox were selected to this year’s All-Star team, and although none are starting, they will hopefully make an appearance. You have probably heard their names by now, but if not, no worries. Lance Lynn, Carlos Rodón, Lance Lynn, and Tim Anderson are on the roster.

Here are tonight’s starting lineups:

The American League has a seven-game win streak entering tonight, though none of those wins were by more than three runs. In the most recent All-Star Game (2019), the American League won by a score of 4-3. Shane Bieber was the MVP, as he struck out all three batters he faced.

Though his team lost in the 2019 All-Star Game, Pete Alonso, who put on a show at the Home Run Derby, had the last two RBIs. So, he is not only the most recent Home Run Derby Champion but also the last player to drive in a run at the All-Star Game.

Shohei Ohtani will be leading off for the American League and starting on the mound. It feels unusual to type that sentence, but that is indeed the plan for tonight. Ohtani is the most valuable player in the majors this season in terms of WAR (5.5 fWAR, 4.0 on offense and 1.5 as a pitcher). Ohtani leads the majors in home runs (33) and slugging percentage (.698). He has also posted a 3.49 ERA in 67 innings on the mound. Many people, myself included, were bullish on his abilities when the Angels signed him. However, not even I anticipated this kind of season from Ohtani.

The first pitch is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. Central. FOX will televise it, and ESPN Radio will have the radio coverage. Hopefully, it will be an entertaining game, and of course, best of luck to the four White Sox.