Title: Cole and Gallen to Start All-Star Game; Lineups Announced
Date: July 10, 2023
By Ronald Blum/Associated Press
SEATTLE — The starting pitchers for the 2023 All-Star Game have been announced. Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees will take the mound for the American League team, while Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks will start for the National League.
AL manager Dusty Baker of the Houston Astros and his National League counterpart Rob Thomson of the Philadelphia Phillies revealed their starting lineups ahead of the Home Run Derby on Monday.
This will be Cole’s first All-Star Game start, earning the honor in his sixth All-Star nomination. The 32-year-old right-hander boasts an impressive record of 9-2 with a 2.85 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 117 innings this season. Cole joins a long list of notable Yankees pitchers who have started the All-Star Game in the past.
As for Gallen, the 27-year-old right-hander has been in exceptional form, with an 11-3 record and a 3.04 ERA, currently tied for the most wins in the major leagues. This will be his first All-Star appearance, making him the third Diamondbacks pitcher to start the All-Star Game, following in the footsteps of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling.
Gallen expressed his excitement and how it is a dream come true for him, stating, “It’s been a whirlwind… It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a child so that it pays off is everything to me.”
The last time both the Yankees and Diamondbacks had All-Star Game starters was in 2001, when Roger Clemens faced Randy Johnson, coincidentally also held in Seattle.
It was initially thought that Cole would not pitch in the All-Star Game due to his workload and having thrown 103 pitches in a recent game. However, he expressed his desire to pitch, and Baker obliged, allowing him to make an appearance.
The starting lineups for both leagues were also unveiled. In the American League, Texas second baseman Marcus Siemen will lead off, followed by Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, Tampa Bay left fielder Randy Arozarena, Texas shortstop Corey Seager, Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz, Rangers’ right fielder Adolis García, Orioles center fielder Austin Hays, Texas third baseman Josh Jung, and Rangers catcher Jonah Heim.
Meanwhile, the National League lineup will feature Atlanta right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, Dodgers center fielder Mookie Betts, designated hitter JD Martinez, Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, Marlins second baseman Luis Arráez, Braves catcher Sean Murphy, Diamondbacks rookie Corbin Carroll in left field, and Atlanta shortstop Orlando Arcia.
Unfortunately, two fan-chosen starters will not be able to play due to injuries. Yankees’ right fielder Aaron Judge sustained a torn ACL in his right big toe in June, while Angels’ center fielder Mike Trout broke his left wrist in early July.
Both Dusty Baker and Rob Thomson, managers of the American League and National League teams respectively, took the opportunity to announce their starting lineups for the All-Star Game.
It is sure to be an exciting match as some of the biggest names in baseball take the field. The All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, bringing together the most talented players in the league for a night of entertainment and celebration of the sport.