MLB All-Star Game 2013: National League Lineup Preview
Jul 16, 2013; Flushing, NY, USA; National League infielder David Wright (5) of the New York Mets before the 2013 All Star Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight marks the night of the 84th MLB All-Star Game. This year’s summer classic will be held at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.
David Wright and Matt Harvey of the Mets will both be starters for the National League tonight. Harvey was given the nod of starting pitcher at his home field at just 24 years old. With that said, here is a look at the starting lineup for the side coached by the San Fransisco Giants coach Bruce Bochy.
1. Brandon Phillips – Second Basemen, Cincinnati Reds
Phillips has put together an impressive first half for the Reds. In 87 games, the veteran second basemen has compiled a batting average of .266 to go with 12 home runs, 74 runs batted in, and an on-base percentage of .320.
2. Carlos Beltran – Right Fielder, St. Louis Cardinals
The ageless Carlos Beltran has done it again, this time for the St. Louis Cardinals. At the age of 36, Beltran has averaged .309 with 19 home runs and 53 runs batted in while playing in 84 of the team’s 93 games thus far.
3. Joey Votto – First Basemen, Cincinnati Reds
Joey Votto has done what Joey Votto does best prior to the All-Star break, hit and get on base. The second of National League starters from Cincinnati, Votto has averaged an impressive .318 with 15 homers and 42 runs driven in from the middle of the Reds’ lineup.
4. David Wright – Third Basemen, New York Mets
Despite being the unofficial host of the 84th MLB All-Star Game and participating in the home run derby last night, his duties to not end there. Wright will hit cleanup for Bochy’s side tonight. Through 91 games, Wright has played in 90, hitting at a .304 clip with 13 dingers and 44 runs batted in.
5. Carlos Gonzalez – Left Fielder, Colorado Rockies
Carlos Gonzalez has earned himself another trip to the summer classic. The first of three Rockies’ starters, Gonzalez will bat fifth and play left field. Through 96 games, Gonzalez has averaged .302 with 25 home runs and 64 RBI, despite Colorado sitting below .500.
6. Yadier Molina – Catcher, St. Louis Cardinals
Regarded by most as the best catcher in all of baseball, Molina has been worthy of that title again through the first half of the 2013 season. The veteran catcher is currently hitting .341 with 7 home runs and 49 RBI with an on base percentage of .386.
7. Troy Tulowitzki – Shortstop, Colorado Rockies
Tulowitzki has put together a season worthy of starting in the All-Star game once again. When healthy, many believe him to be the most dominating shortstop in the game today. Despite just playing in 64 games thus far, he has compiled an impressive line of a .332 batting average, 16 homers, and 52 RBI, with an OBP of .400.
8. Michael Cuddyer – Designated Hitter, Colorado Rockies
Michael Cuddyer is on pace to perhaps have the best season of his career in 2013. Already tying his home run total from a season ago, Cuddyer has earned his spot in the game of the best-of-the-best. In 74 games with Colorado this year, he has averaged .330, 16 home runs, and 55 RBI.
9. Bryce Harper – Center Fielder, Washington Nationals
Bryce Harper will start in his second career All-Star Game tonight at Citi Field, despite being just 20 years old. In his sophomore season with the Nationals, Harper has averaged .264 with 13 home runs and 29 RBI with an impressive .371 OBP.
Other National League All-Stars include:
- Buster Posey
- Brian McCann
- Paul Goldschmidt
- Allen Craig
- Freddie Freeman
- Matt Carpenter
- Marco Scutaro
- Everth Cabrera
- Juan Segera
- Pedro Alvarez
- Dominic Brown
- Carlos Gomez
- Andrew McCutchen
- Madison Bumgarner
- Aroldis Chapman
- Patrick Corbin
- Jose Fernandez
- Jason Grilli
- Clayton Kershaw
- Craig Kimbrel
- Cliff Lee
- Jeff Locke
- Mark Melancon
- Sergio Romo
- Adam Wainwright
- Travis Wood
- Jordan Zimmerman