MLB, MLB All-Star Game

Mike Trout, Bryce Harper headline 2018 All-Star Game starters

The starters have been announced for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game and Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and Freddie Freeman headline the starters.

We are more than a week into July, and Major League Baseball has passed its halfway point. That means the Midsummer Classic is on the horizon. The MLB All-Star Game is next Tuesday, July 17, and will be played in Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

The starters are selected by fan voting. This is the first year fans have not been able to vote at MLB stadiums, as all voting is online. Fans could vote up to 35 times — but no more than five times per day–for their favorite players.

Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers will manage the National League and A.J. Hinch of the Houston Astros will manage the American League.

Here are the 17 players selected by the fans to start the 2018 All-Star Game:

American League

Catcher: Wilson Ramos, Tampa Bay Rays

First Baseman: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox

Second Baseman: Jose Altuve, Houston Astros

Third Baseman: Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Indians

Shortstop: Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

Outfielder: Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox

Outfielder: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

Outfielder: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

Designated Hitter: J.D. Martinez, Boston Red Sox

National League

Catcher: Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs

First Baseman: Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves

Second Baseman: Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs

Third Baseman: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

Shortstop: Brandon Crawford, San Francisco Giants

Outfielder: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals

Outfielder: Nick Markakis, Atlanta Braves

Outfielder: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers

A couple of unlikely players are making starts in the outfield. Matt Kemp was traded from the Braves to the Dodgers in the offseason in a move that was motivated more by the players’ salary than quality.

Markakis is making his first trip to the all-star game at 34-years old. He and Freeman have helped lead the Braves to a 50-38 record and an effective tie with the Phillies for first place in the NL East. The team has one of the most exciting offenses in baseball. It is a drastic turnaround for a team that finished 72-90 last season.

The MLB All-Star Game takes place on Tuesday, July 17.

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