The initial phase of fan voting for the MLB All-Star Game has concluded, setting the stage for the next round where Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Teoscar Hernández are in contention to start. The voting process, which spanned the period from Sunday to Wednesday, has established these players as finalists for their respective positions.
Shohei Ohtani, displaying his prowess both as a pitcher and designated hitter, emerges as a prominent figure in the National League’s designated hitter category. Despite Mookie Betts’ unfortunate injury sidelining him for six to eight weeks with a broken left hand, his significant vote count positions him as a finalist for the shortstop position. Teoscar Hernández, demonstrating impressive form in the outfield, also secured a spot as one of the top vote-getters in his category.
However, not all Dodgers’ players found themselves in the finalist list after the first round. Freddie Freeman, competing among NL first basemen, narrowly missed the top spot, trailing Bryce Harper of the Phillies who amassed the highest number of votes across the league, securing an automatic starting position. Similarly, Will Smith, the Dodgers’ catcher, faced strong competition and ultimately fell short of advancing as a finalist at his position.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his support for Smith and Hernández, underscoring their outstanding performances this season. Roberts emphasized the All-Star Game’s reliance on fan popularity, urging Dodgers fans to mobilize and vote for their players actively. He noted the disparity where players with less stellar seasons receive more votes due to highly active fan bases, voicing his disappointment as a manager.
With the first round votes now reset, the final phase of fan voting commenced, offering a 72-hour window for fans to cast their ballots from 9 a.m. PT on Sunday until 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The culmination of this phase will see the announcement of the All-Star starting lineups on Wednesday at 4 p.m. PT on ESPN.
the latest developments highlight the competitive landscape of the All-Star Game voting process, showcasing standout performances from players like Ohtani, Betts (despite his injury), and Hernández. As fans eagerly participate in determining the starting lineups, the spotlight remains on these finalists awaiting the outcome of the final fan votes.
