Dodger Stadium will be the site of the 2022 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night.
The American League enters this year with an eight-game winning streak, with the National League only winning three All-Star Games since 1996.
However, there are even betting odds on Tuesday, with each team listed at -110 and the over/under set at eight runs.
National League Preview
The National League will be a little short-handed from the start of Tuesday’s game, with starters Bryce Harper and Jazz Chisholm unavailable due to injury.
The good news is that Paul Goldschmidt, who is the frontrunner for MVP, and Manny Machado, who has carried the Padres this season, will be there to anchor the lineup. Mookie Betts has also had a great season, while the hope is that Ronald Acuna can still make a difference despite not having his best season.
In some ways, the National League has a better bench than it does a starting lineup. Power threats like Pete Alonso, C.J. Cron, Freddie Freeman, Austin Riley, Kyle Schwarber, and Juan Soto are all waiting for their turn. Also, while Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ may not be perennial all-stars, both bring a little speed and athleticism to the table, so the NL bench isn’t just hitters hoping to smack a home run out of the park.
Pitching-wise, the National League won’t be short-handed, with the likes of Sandy Alcantara, Joe Musgrove, and Tony Gonsolin all having spectacular seasons. While those pitchers don’t have a ton of all-star experience, Clayton Kershaw helps to fill that void along with fellow lefty Carlon Rodon to help balance out the pitching staff.
Elsewhere, Edwin Diaz of the Mets may be the best closer available if the NL has a lead late, although many of the National League’s relievers are lacking all-star experience.
American League Preview
The American League isn’t messing around with its starting lineup, rolling out Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Shohei Ohtani, and Rafael Devers. On the downside, Jose Altuve and Mike Trout are both unavailable, depriving the AL team of a ton of all-star experience. However, don’t sleep on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Tim Anderson or hidden gem Alejandro Kirk, who will add depth to the lineup.
Coming off the bench, the American League doesn’t have all that much power, albeit with Byron Buxton, Kyle Tucker, and J.D. Martinez available. But the athleticism and versatility of Luis Arraez, Xander Bogaerts, and Santiago Espinal could prove useful. Plus, don’t sleep on somewhat unknown commodities like Ty France, Jose Trevino, or Julio Rodriguez to make an impact.
On the mound, Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander won’t be available, but lefties Martin Perez, Framber Valdez, Shane McClanahan, and Nestor Cortes have all had outstanding seasons. Yet, the American League is a little short on right-handed starters, with only Alek Manoah, Paul Blackburn, and Ohtani available.
Experience in all-star games could also be an issue, especially late in the game, as most of the American League relief pitchers are first-time all-stars outside of Liam Hendriks.
Take Your Pick
Historically speaking, the American League is usually a safe pick to win the All-Star Game. The National League has a chance with so many right-handed hitters against a left-hand-heavy AL pitching staff.
But pound for pound, the American League has a little more talent, making them the better pick in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
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