The MLB announced the lineups for the 94th All-Star Game to be played at the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field. Among all those selected to start tonight’s game Yordan Álvarez will be the only Cuban in the lineup and in the game, a big contrast from the 11 that made the game last year.
The slugger from Las Tunas, Cuba is slated to be the designated hitter of the American League. For Álvarez this is his third time being selected to the All Star Game, however he had previously been unable to participate in other contests due to injuries. This season, the part-time outfielder had a slow start to the season with Houston, but he has been swinging a hot bat this last month, leading all Astros hitters.
“Air Yordan” as he known by the Cuban faithful is currently hitting .296 with 19 home runs, 52RBIs, 101 hits and a gaudy 913 OPS. The Ebony Giant is showing why he is one of the best hitters in MLB. In addition to Álvarez, the American League lineup includes plenty of firepower.
American League manager Bruce Bochy announced as the starter Orioles right-hander Corbin Burnes, who has a 2.43 ERA in 19 starts during his first season with the Orioles. According to information from MLB, the rosters include 37 debuting players in the All-Star Game. The American League will look to bounce back from a 3-2 loss last season in Seattle, while the National League will look for back-to-back wins.
American League lineup:
1. Steven Kwan, L.F.
2. Gunnar Henderson, SS
3. Juan Soto, RF
4. Aaron Judge, CF
5. Yordan Álvarez DH
6. José Ramírez, 3B
7. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B
8. Adley Rutschman, C
9. Marcus Semien, 2B