The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is underway tonight, July 14, with the first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The event, broadcast live on FOX, marks the 96th All-Star Game between the American League and National League, concluding a week of festivities in the city.
Philadelphia is hosting the Midsummer Classic as part of America’s 250th anniversary year, providing a significant backdrop for the baseball event. Prior to the game, the All-Star Red Carpet Show took place at 2 p.m. ET at Independence Mall, where players were introduced to fans before heading to the ballpark. This pre-game event was televised on MLB Network and MLB.com.
Game Day Lineups and Pitching Matchups
The starting lineups and pitchers for both leagues have been confirmed. For the American League, Dylan Cease of the Blue Jays was chosen by manager John Schneider. The American League starting lineup includes Mike Trout of the Angels in the outfield, Yordan Alvarez of the Astros as designated hitter, and Shea Langeliers of the Athletics at catcher. Other starters are Junior Caminero of the Rays at third base, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals at shortstop, Cody Bellinger of the Yankees in the outfield, Ben Rice of the Yankees at first base, Riley Greene of the Tigers in the outfield, and Ernie Clement of the Blue Jays at second base.
For the National League, Cristopher Sánchez of the Phillies was named the starting pitcher, a choice that brings a local player to the mound for the home crowd. The National League starting lineup features Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies as designated hitter, Juan Soto of the Mets in the outfield, and Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers at first base. Other National League starters include CJ Abrams of the Nationals at shortstop, Max Muncy of the Dodgers at third base, Ozzie Albies of the Braves at second base, Brandon Marsh of the Phillies in the outfield, Andy Pages of the Dodgers in the outfield, and Drake Baldwin of the Braves at catcher.
Manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers is guiding the National League. John Schneider, manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, is leading the American League squad. Roberts has invited St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol and Philadelphia interim manager Don Mattingly to serve as honorary NL coaches, while Schneider has asked Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton to join the AL coaching staff.
Notable Absences and Reserves
Several players selected for All-Star honors will not be active for the game due to various reasons. From the American League, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays, elected as the starting first baseman, declined. His initial replacement, Nick Kurtz of the Athletics, was also sidelined by a thumb strain. Outfielders Aaron Judge of the Yankees and Byron Buxton of the Twins, both elected starters, are unavailable due to injury. Pitchers Ranger Suárez of the Red Sox and Justin Verlander of the Tigers are also inactive. Verlander, a Commissioner’s Legend Pick, will be honored in what he has announced as his final season.
On the National League side, Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers, elected as the starting designated hitter, is out. Pitchers Chase Burns of the Reds, Max Meyer of the Marlins, Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers, Paul Skenes of the Pirates, and Braxton Ashcraft of the Pirates are all unavailable, primarily due to pitching schedules. Bryce Harper of the Phillies joins as a reserve.
The reserve rosters feature a range of talent. American League reserves include catchers Dillon Dingler of the Tigers and Adley Rutschman of the Orioles. Infielders such as Travis Bazzana of the Guardians, Willson Contreras of the Red Sox, and Miguel Vargas of the White Sox are also on the roster. Outfielders include Randy Arozarena of the Mariners and Ceddanne Rafaela of the Red Sox. The pitching staff features Nick Martinez of the Rays, Joe Ryan of the Twins, and Aroldis Chapman of the Red Sox.
National League reserves include catchers Hunter Goodman of the Rockies and William Contreras of the Brewers. Infielders like Luis Arraez of the Giants, Matt Olson of the Braves, and Sal Stewart of the Reds are part of the team. Outfielders include Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks, Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs, and Jordan Walker of the Cardinals, who recently won the Home Run Derby. Pitchers such as Jesús Luzardo of the Phillies, Chris Sale of the Braves, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers are also listed.
Last year, the National League defeated the American League in 2025, with Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies earning MVP honors after hitting three home runs in the first-ever swing-off tiebreaker.
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Source: foxsports.com
