Phillies land six All-Stars for Philadelphia Midsummer Classic; Ohtani, Judge among stars set to miss game

Phillies host with six selections

When the Phillies stumbled to a 19-9 start, some wondered if the first All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in 30 years would showcase the home team. Instead, six Phillies were named All-Stars: outfielder Brandon Marsh as a starter, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper as reserves, and pitchers Cristopher Sánchez and Jhoan Duran. Marsh, hitting.315/.348/.523, is the first Phillies outfielder elected to start since 2009. Schwarber leads the majors in home runs, while Sánchez is a front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award. Zack Wheeler, with a 2.36 ERA in 13 starts, was not selected.

The last time I did it, I won. I said I'd never do it again. So, we'll see how I'm feeling.

Stars missing the Midsummer Classic

Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes and Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski, both scheduled to start next Sunday, are likely to skip the game. Skenes, a two-time All-Star starter, is 6-8 with a 3.62 ERA. Misiorowski leads the majors with a 1.47 ERA and averages 100.4 mph on his fastball. Shohei Ohtani, the NL's starting designated hitter, is unlikely to pitch because of a right biceps issue that will push his final pre-break start to next weekend. Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, elected to his eighth start, will miss the game with a broken rib. Angels outfielder Mike Trout earned his 12th selection and first since 2023, but is recovering from a strained right hamstring. Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said he will skip the game to rest his back.

Those four days will be great, to come back strong in the second half.

Reds rookies earn first nods

Reds first baseman Sal Stewart and starter Chase Burns were named to their first All-Star teams. Stewart, a rookie, called his father immediately after learning the news. Burns, drafted second overall two years ago, is 10-1 with a 2.40 ERA and in the Cy Young conversation. He struck out the first five Yankees he faced in his debut, including three former MVPs.

Every year, I watch the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game -- everyone knew those days me and my dad were watching.

Nationals' Abrams and Wood return

Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood each earned their second All-Star selection. Abrams, the first starting shortstop in Nationals history, is hitting.270 with 18 home runs and an.852 OPS. Wood has 22 home runs, a.918 OPS, and leads NL outfielders in runs and walks. Both said they hope to enjoy the experience more the second time around.

The first time, it was like a whirlwind, so I think I'll be able to slow it down a little more this time.

Selection process

Fan voting determined the starters. The initial round, announced June 25, saw Ohtani win the NL designated hitter spot. A second phase ran from June 29 through Thursday, July 2, with Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Andy Pages joining Ohtani as Dodgers starters. The full rosters were revealed on July 4 and 5.