MIAMI _ Any drama that the National League or Joe Maddon wanted to conjure about his choice to start the All-Star Game on Tuesday night at Marlins Park ended Sunday and became obvious by Monday.
With Clayton Kershaw unavailable because of his work for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, Max Scherzer, affirming his hold on the unofficial title as the best pitcher in the league, will start and join a select group of All-Stars.
"I had already chosen Max," said manager Maddon.
This is Scherzer's second All-Star Game start.
He is the fifth pitcher in the All-Star Game's history to start a game for both leagues, as he did so while with Detroit in 2013 at Citi Field. Scherzer threw a perfect inning that night. And he's really only gotten better since that season. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, the Mizzou alum is 10-5 this season with a 2.10 ERA and 173 strikeouts.
Chris Sale, Boston's lefty, will start opposite him, it was announced Monday afternoon at Marlins Park.
Sale becomes the first pitcher to start consecutive All-Star Games.
He did last year as well, though as a member of the Chicago White Sox.
Cardinals representatives Yadier Molina and Carlos Martinez are both reserves in the game, though both are eligible to participate. Martinez could be used in relief and, at last check, has been cleared by the team to do so. Molina is likely to be the second catcher into the game for the NL team.
Here are the lineups for the game:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
1. Charlie Blackmon, CF
2. Giancarlo Stanton, DH
3. Bryce Harper, RF
4. Buster Posey, C
5. Daniel Murphy, 2B
6. Nolan Arrenado, 3B
7. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
8. Marcell Ozuna, LF
9. Zack Cozart, SS
Starting pitcher: Max Scherzer, RHP
AMERICAN LEAGUE
1. Jose Altuve, 2B
2. Ramirez, 3B
3. Aaron Judge, RF
4. George Springer, LF
5. Carlos Correa, SS
6. Justin Smoak, 1B
7. Corey Dickerson, DH
8. Salvador Perez, C
9. Mookie Betts, CF
Starting pitcher: Chris Sale, LHP
