Ohtani, Freeman lead Dodgers' four All-Star starters

Shohei Ohtani was joined in the National League's starting lineup by three teammates from the back-to-back champion Los Angeles Dodgers, Major League Baseball announced Saturday when it unveiled rosters for the 2026 All-Star Game. Ohtani, who led all players in votes, started as the NL's designated hitter, with Freddie Freeman at first base, Max Muncy at third, and Andy Pages in the outfield. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated Friday that Ohtani was unlikely to pitch in the All-Star Game after the team adjusted his schedule.

Additional NL starters included New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh, Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies, and catcher Drake Baldwin.

In the American League, leading vote-getter Ernie Clement was joined by Toronto Blue Jays teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the right side of the infield, along with Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers, and Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez. Guerrero announced after rosters were released that he would not participate, allowing Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, who won the player vote at his position, to take his spot. The Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout, the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, and the Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton made up the AL's starting outfield.

The All-Star Game was scheduled to take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14. Starters were voted on by the fans, while the reserves were selected through a combination of Major League Baseball’s choices and ballots cast by current players, managers, and coaches. The Dodgers, Braves, and Phillies were each sending an MLB-best five players to the All-Star Game. Besides the four starters, the Dodgers also had right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Braves entered with Baldwin, Albies, first baseman Matt Olson, left-hander Chris Sale, and closer Raisel Iglesias, while the Phillies' contingent included Marsh, first baseman Bryce Harper, DH Kyle Schwarber, left-hander Cristopher Sanchez, and closer Jhoan Duran.

For the AL, the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Rays each had four All-Stars. The Jays featured Clement, Guerrero, right-hander Dylan Cease, and closer Louis Varland. The Yankees included Judge, first baseman Ben Rice, outfielder Cody Bellinger, and right-hander Cam Schlittler, while the Rays sent Caminero, DH Yandy Diaz, right-hander Drew Rasmussen, and closer Bryan Baker.

This season's All-Star rosters involved a star-studded rookie class, with Travis Bazzana and Parker Messick of the Cleveland Guardians, Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers, and Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds all making the team. Reserves for the AL also included Dillon Dingler (Tigers), Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles), and others, while the NL reserves featured William Contreras (Milwaukee Brewers) and others.

Sanchez was viewed as a favorite to start the All-Star Game for the NL, given his Cy Young candidacy and opportunity to pitch in his home ballpark. Ohtani, continuing to impress, led all players in votes and was slated to be among four Dodgers to start in the All-Star Game.