Sale-Scherzer rematch opens tonight's ASG
WASHINGTON -- How deep are the lineups for tonight's Midsummer Classic? Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper are batting sixth for their respective leagues.
Managers AJ Hinch and Dave Roberts unveiled their starting lineups for the 89th All-Star Game presented by Mastercard on Monday, though truthfully, they could have picked names out of a hat and been in pretty good shape.
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The same could have held true for each squad's starting pitcher.
Hinch chose Chris Sale of the Red Sox as his starting pitcher over the Yankees' Luis Severino and the Rays' Blake Snell, who are slated to follow Sale for the AL.
"There are a number of guys that I considered, but honestly, the proof is in the numbers, and he's the most consistent starter in the American League," Hinch said. "He's truly a special pitcher in this league and truly someone who deserves this honor."
Roberts countered with Max Scherzer of the hometown Nationals, who got the nod ahead of the Mets' Jacob deGrom. Hinch and Roberts confirmed that deGrom and Severino will pitch second for each league tonight.
"It's his city," Roberts said. "It's his ballpark. He's the right guy to take the baseball."
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This marks the second straight All-Star Game started by Scherzer and Sale, the first time since 1940 that two starters opposed each other in consecutive Midsummer Classics. The last two pitchers to accomplish that feat? Red Ruffing (Yankees) and Paul Derringer (Reds).
Sale made some additional history, joining Hall of Famers Robin Roberts (1953-55, NL) and Lefty Gomez (1933-35, AL) as the only pitchers to start three straight All-Star Games.
As Hinch revealed his starting lineup, he turned toward the other side of the podium and said, "Dave, Max, listen up."
Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts will lead off for the AL, followed by Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, Angels center fielder Michael Trout and Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez.
Betts leads the Majors in average (.359) and slugging (.691) while also getting on base nearly 45 percent of the time this season, making for one of the most dynamic leadoff men imaginable. Altuve and Trout rank among the game's most consistent hitters day in and day out, while Martinez and his MLB-best 80 RBIs will man the cleanup spot.
Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez will hit fifth, Judge -- who will move from his customary right-field spot with the Yankees to play left field for the AL -- will hit sixth, followed by Orioles shortstop Manny Machado, White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu and Royals catcher Salvador Perez.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
1. Mookie Betts, RF, Red Sox
2. Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros
3. Mike Trout, CF, Angels
4. J.D. Martinez, DH, Red Sox
5. Jose Ramirez, 3B, Indians
6. Aaron Judge, LF, Yankees
7. Manny Machado, SS, Orioles
8. Jose Abreu, 1B, White Sox
9. Salvador Perez, C, Royals
Chris Sale, P, Red Sox
"I'm just happy I made the lineup," Judge said. "When I look around the room at who we've got, I'm surprised I'm batting sixth. I saw myself batting eight or nine."
After the AL lineup was revealed, Roberts prepared to unveil his own batting order, returning serve to Hinch as he quipped to Sale, "Listen up, Chris."
Cubs second baseman Javier Baez leads off for the NL, followed by a powerful 2-3-4 trio: Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt of the D-backs (Roberts' choice for DH) and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Dodgers left fielder Matt Kemp will hit fifth, while Nationals center fielder Harper will man the No. 6 spot in front of his hometown fans. Rounding out the lineup is Braves right fielder Nick Markakis, Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford and Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
1. Javier Baez, 2B, Cubs
2. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
3. Paul Goldschmidt, DH, D-backs
4. Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves
5. Matt Kemp, LF, Dodgers
6. Bryce Harper, CF, Nationals
7. Nick Markakis, RF, Braves
8. Brandon Crawford, SS, Giants
9. Willson Contreras, C, Cubs
Max Scherzer, P, Nationals
The free-swinging Baez might not be a conventional choice to bat in the leadoff spot, but Roberts cited the second baseman's energy as his biggest reason for slotting Baez up top. Contreras was excited to learn his teammate would top the lineup despite the fact that he's led off only twice this season.
"They're going to see how exciting it is to watch Javier Baez leading off the game, how he does something magic like he always does in the game," Contreras said. "Javier Baez is just amazing."
While watching the 2018 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX tonight, fans can submit their choices for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet with the 2018 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote.
The 89th Midsummer Classic, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 180 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage in the United States, while ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.
For more information about MLB All-Star Week and to purchase tickets, visit AllStarGame.com and follow @MLB and @AllStarGame on social media.