MLB All-Star selections revealed, Bryce Harper is 'Legend Pick'
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Bryce Harper, after a heated exchange with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred last year, has been named Manfred's "Legend Pick" for the 96th All-Star Game, ensuring his participation despite initially being snubbed in voting.
- The All-Star rosters feature notable selections and snubs, including Dodgers' first baseman Freddie Freeman and Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who won fan votes but will not play due to injury.
- Several players with strong first-half performances, such as Boston's Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray, were left off the All-Star team, sparking controversy and disappointment among fans and teammates.
- The game will showcase 26 first-time All-Stars, including four rookies, with the Cleveland Guardians making history by sending multiple rookies to the game for only the fifth time in MLB history.
- Injuries have affected participation, with Yankees' Aaron Judge out due to a broken rib and Angels' Mike Trout expected to play after recovering from a hamstring strain, adding anticipation for the July 14 event at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
