Let’s take a look at the final All-Star Game rosters
The All-Star Game rosters were technically finalized Friday. Once the Final Vote concluded, we officially had our squads. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to work.
[On this week’s StewPod: Everything you need to know about the All-Star game.]
Anyone who’s paid attention to baseball the past couple years knows that the All-Star Game roster is constantly changing in the days leading up to the contest. There are a number of reasons this happens. Injuries can strike, players can opt out or pitchers who go on Sunday can choose to be inactive for the game. In every scenario, a replacement player is added to the team.
Since the initial All-Star Game rosters were announced July 6, a number of players have been added to each team. Let’s take a look at all the replacements:
FINAL VOTE WINNERS
• Carlos Martinez and Mike Moustakas won the Final Vote, so both players have been added to the All-Star rosters. Neither are technically replacements, but we’re trying to be comprehensive here.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
• New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner replaced Alex Gordon on the American League roster. Gordon suffered a groin injury, and will not play. Gardner was set to be a part of the Final Vote, but was promoted to the All-Star team once Gordon went down. Gordon was set to start, but will be replaced by Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones in the starting lineup.
• Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier was named to the game once Jose Bautista bowed out due to a shoulder injury. Bautista has been battling the issue all season, and will receive treatment during the break. Dozier has been on a roll lately, hitting two walk-off home runs in the past week.
• Los Angeles Angels pitcher Hector Santiago will replace Oakland Athletics starter Sonny Gray on the roster. Gray tossed a complete game shutout Sunday, and didn’t want to participate in the All-Star Game on just one day of rest.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
• Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was named to the team after Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon dislocated his thumb Saturday. Tulowitzki’s teammate, DJ LeMahieu will replace Gordon in the starting lineup.
• Los Angeles Angels pitcher Clayton Kershaw finally made the club after Max Scherzer bowed out of the contest. Scherzer pitched Sunday, and did not want to make himself available after just one day of rest.
• Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun will replace Matt Holliday. Holliday is currently on the disabled list due to a wrist injury, and couldn’t return in time for the game. Joc Pederson will start in place of Holliday.
And so, let’s take a look at the final rosters. We’ll start in the American League:
And now, the National League:
There you have it. The replacements are in, the starters and set and the teams are ready for action. The only question remaining is which pitchers will get the starting nod.
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With Scherzer out of the game, Zack Greinke seems like the best candidate in the NL. The AL remains bunched, but Chris Sale would probably be the best choice. That said, it would be tough to argue if Dallas Keuchel, David Price, Felix Hernandez or Chris Archer start the contest.
The All-Star Game will take place Tuesday. Coverage of the event begins at 7:00 p.m. ET. Now that rosters have been finalized, which team do you think has the edge?
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik