Cody Snavely
Major League Baseball has announced the final touches to the AL/NL All-Star rosters, officially announcing the pitchers and reserve position players yesterday afternoon. The Dodgers will be well represented with five All-Stars for the 2023 season.
Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and J. D. Martinez were announced as starters last week. However, joining the group is Clayton Kershaw and, finally, catcher Will Smith.
For Kershaw, it will be his 10th All-Star appearance tying Dodgers legend Pee Wee Reese for the franchise record. Kershaw checks off another bucket list on his Hall of Fame career. As for Smith, it will be his first selection for the mid-summer classic. Smith, who lost out to Braves catcher Sean Murphy in the starter selection, made it as a reserve. However, you could argue she should be starting. Smith, who entered the league in 2019, has been one of the best catchers in baseball and has been snubbed in 2021 and 2022 All-Star games.
Also, ICYMI Mookie Betts will compete in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby—Betts, who has been on a torrid stretch since the end of June. Betts has 22 home runs and an OPS of .929 this season and is on pace to break his career highs in the power department this season.
Kershaw, who was just put on the IL, will likely be replaced, opening a few other Dodgers for a chance at this year’s All-Star game. One such contender could be Dodgers closer Evan Philips. However, it is up to the players and MLB to decide the replacement players.
While the season has not been up to par with years past, the Dodgers have had a lot of bright spots this summer, and those players will be representing the boys in blue for the 2023 All-Star Game.
