2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game Preview

The All-Star is the biggest night of the year for Major League Baseball. The week of stars started with a bang as Pete Alonso defended his crown in the Home Run Derby. The story heading into Tuesday is Shohei Ohtani, who will lead off and start at pitcher for the American League.

Ohtani was eliminated from the Home Run Derby in the first round by Juan Soto. Nevertheless, he will headline Tuesday’s All-Star Game. The first pitch from Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. The Midsummer Classic will be televised on FOX.

The American League is favored on the run line, but they are slight underdogs in the contest at -102. The National League is -116 on the moneyline, and the over/under has been set at 11 runs.

American League Preview: All About Ohtani

The American League has dominated the All-Star Game, but they have the weaker team heading into Tuesday night. The winner of the Midsummer Classic used to receive home-field advantage in the World Series. However, this is no longer the case, so players are just competing for the experience.

Shohei Ohtani will headline the team. The plan for Ohtani heading into the contest is to pitch three innings and bat for the entire game. He is going to start on the mound and bat leadoff. Ohtani will be considered two players in the lineup to make substitution rules easy.

According to AL manager Kevin Cash, “Shohei is what the fans want to see.” Other players to watch for the American League are Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Aaron Judge.

National League Preview: Reds Control the Outfield

The National League has a strong roster behind players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Nick Castellanos, and Max Muncy. The team has power from top to bottom, which will help them combat Ohtani’s electricity on the mound.

Three National League Central players will start in the outfield, which is remarkable considering the strength of the division. The Cincinnati Reds will control the outfield thanks to Jesse Winker in left field and Nick Castellanos in right field. Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates will start in center field.

Castellanos is having the best season of his career. He is leading the National League in doubles (29), batting average (.331), and total bases (196). He is slashing .331/.384/.585 with 18 homers and 59 RBIs. The Red will bat fifth, and Winker will follow him in the six-hole.

Who Wins?

The All-Star Game can be challenging to bet on because every player needs to appear in the contest. If a pitcher is dealing, they will be removed from the contest. The American League has the advantage because of the plan for Ohtani.

If Ohtani is the designated hitter for the entire game, he will likely do damage for the American League. Although, Ohtani will have a difficult time pitching to the National League All-Stars.

I think the National League finds a way to win their first contest since 2012. Scherzer will start the game, and he will be relieved by a group of relentless pitchers to give the NL the victory on Tuesday.