When the 2026 MLB All-Star Game starting lineups were first revealed, the Philadelphia Phillies had just one fan-elected starter among their ranks: outfielder Brandon Marsh.
That alone was set to be a memorable occasion, as he’ll be introduced in front of the home crowd at Citizens Bank Park. But now, he’ll have a fellow Phillie alongside him when the game gets underway.
Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has officially been named as the substitute for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, who topped the National League in Phase 1 of the fan voting and secured an automatic starting role, has chosen to sit out after revealing ongoing left knee discomfort and inflammation.
That opens the door for the Phillies slugger to slot in as the DH, and NL skipper Dave Roberts of the Dodgers plans to insert him right into the thick of the action.
Schwarber slots into Ohtani’s spot in the NL starting nine
The batting order for the July 14 contest has been set, with Schwarber leading off for the National League. Marsh will patrol right field and hit seventh.
Juan Soto of the New York Mets occupies left field and bats second. Freddie Freeman, as he typically does when playing for Roberts and the Dodgers, holds down the No. 3 spot and starts at first base.
Cleaning up is Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, while another Dodger, third baseman Max Muncy, hits fifth. Ozzie Albies of the Braves, starting at second base, follows in the sixth spot.
After Marsh, batting eighth, comes the fourth Dodgers representative voted in by fans, center fielder Andy Pages. Closing out the order is Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, the second Atlanta player in the starting lineup.
Taking the mound is a familiar face to both Schwarber and Marsh: their Phillies teammate, Cristopher Sanchez, who has been tapped as the NL’s starting pitcher in front of the home faithful.
All three are bound to savor the moment their names are called, and the same goes for the other Phillies selected to the NL roster.
First baseman Bryce Harper, starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo, and closer Jhoan Duran will also represent Philadelphia in the Midsummer Classic, coming off the bench and out of the bullpen.
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