MLB All-Star Game 2023: NL defeats AL, highlights, more
With no win since 2012, the National League was powered by a two-run home run from Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz to defeat the American League in the 2023 All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle to end its nine-game losing streak.
The 32-year-old first-time All-Star hit the homer off Felix Bautista in the eighth inning, his first All-Star Game at-bat. The NL pitchers also put on an efficient performance, limiting the AL to its lowest amount of runs since 2017.
Here’s a recap of Tuesday’s action from T-Mobile Park, along with highlights and some of the fun moments from Seattle.
2023 MLB All-Star Game box score
Elias Diaz named All-Star Game MVP
To no surprise, Diaz was named the All-Star Game MVP, becoming the first Rockies player to win the award.
He went 1-for-2 as a designated hitter, but had the biggest swing of the night with his winning two-run home run in the eighth inning. He also was incredibly happy his mom got to see it all.
Craig Kimbrel strikes out Jose Ramirez, National League wins
Craig Kimbrel came in to close the ninth inning for the National League, and Wander Franco almost tied the game but his flyball to right field fell just short of going over the wall. He then struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. but walked Kyle Tucker to face the hometown star Julio Rodríguez in a Hollywood-like moment.
Rodríguez was able to draw a walk to bring up Jose Ramirez, but Kimbrel struck him out for the win and end the nine-game losing streak against the American League.
Austin Riley turns incredible double play to end the eighth
With a runner on first, the American League was looking to tie the game in the eighth inning, but Austin Riley shut down the opportunity quick.
The Atlanta Braves third baseman caught a 106 mile per hour line drive off Brent Rooker and was able to catch Whit Merrifield sleeping, throwing it quickly on his knees to first for the double play and to end the inning.
Elias Diaz hits two-run homer to give NL lead
Forget the tie, Elias Diaz wants the win.
In his first All-Star Game at-bat, the Colorado Rockies catcher blasted a dinger 360 feet off the Orioles' Felix Bautista to give the National League its first lead of the game, and possibly end the losing streak against the AL.
Hometown star Julio Rodríguez gets ovation from crowd
It's been a fun week for Julio Rodríguez in his home stadium.
After hitting a record number of home runs in a round in the Home Run Derby Monday, Rodríguez got a standing ovation from the crowd before his first at-bat in the seventh inning. He would strike out, but it was a great treat for the Seattle fans.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hits moon shot homer, but it's ruled foul on review; AL pitcher exits injured
We were so close to a tie game.
The Diamondbacks' Lourdes Gurriel Jr. launched a moon shot down the left field line that appeared to make it a 2-2 game, but the play went under replay review. Turns out, the ball was foul; the National League was a mere few feet away from tying the game. Instead, Gurriel Jr. settled with an infield single.
Meanwhile, AL pitcher Jordan Romano of the Blue Jays appeared to be injured on the near-home run, and was taken out of the game. He was replaced by Michael Lorenzen. AL manager Dusty Baker said Romano left with lower back tightness.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s bat goes flying
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made tons of balls fly Monday night during his Home Run Derby victory, but his bat was the one that took a fly Tuesday.
AL retakes the lead
The American League offense was pretty stagnant after scoring in the second inning, but that all changed in the sixth inning.
Salvador Perez hit a single and was followed by Brent Rooker's double to right field to get runners on second and third. Bo Bichette then took advantage, hitting a deep fly ball out to right field to bring Perez in and give the AL a 2-1 lead.
The NL now has three innings to take the lead or tie it and force a home run derby tiebreaker.
Luis Arraez ties it for the NL
The best hitter in baseball is proving just how good he is.
After J.D. Martinez opened up the top of the fourth with a double, MLB's batting leader Luis Arraez knocked a single to right field to bring Martinez in and tie the game up at 1-1. It was Arraez's second hit of the game after he singled in the top of the second inning.
Yandy Díaz gets the scoring started
After a scoreless first inning for both sides, Yandy Díaz got the American League on the board after launching a 383-foot solo home run to left field to begin the scoring and give the AL a 1-0 lead in the second inning.
Seattle fans tell Shohei Ohtani 'Come to Seattle'
Everyone knows Shohei Ohtani will be a free agent at the end of the season, and Seattle is already making its pitch for him to join the Mariners. During his first inning at-bat, the crowd was chanting "Come to Seattle."
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman were mic'd up while the chants were going on, and said they didn't want to start their own chant because it would be tampering.
Adolis Garcia, Randy Arozarena start All-Star Game off with spectacular catches
How about starting off the All-Star Game with All-Star catches?
Ronald Acuna Jr. ripped a ball to right field that look destined for extra bases. But Adolis Garcia, who battled the sun, leaped up to make a spectacular catch. The next at-bat, Freddie Freeman launched a deep ball to left field, only for Randy Arozarena to make another amazing catch to get the first two outs of the game in style. Then his pose.
Arozarena got a single in the bottom of the first, and when he met Freeman at first base, the Los Angeles Dodger told him he can't steal and get hits. Arozarena apologized before he was caught stealing second.
Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez throw out first pitch
It wouldn’t be the All-Star Game in Seattle without honoring some of the greatest Mariners to play the game. Griffey Jr., a 13-time All-Star, and Martinez, a 7-time All-Star, came out to throw the ceremonial first pitch.
Who sang the national anthem at the All-Star Game?
Singer and actress Kiana Ledé sang the national anthem.
Astros All-Stars get booed
No matter where or when it is, if you're a Houston Astros player, expect to get booed.
When Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez were introduced in the pregame festivities, the T-Mobile Park crowd let it be known there aren't many MLB fans that like them, even years after their cheating scandal unfolded. It's funnier when you consider Tucker and Alvarez weren't part of the 2017 World Series team.
What time is the MLB All-Star Game?
The 2023 MLB All-Star Game starts at 8 p.m. ET.
How to watch MLB All-Star Game 2023
- TV channel: Fox
MLB All-Star Game starting pitchers
New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole and Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen were named as the starters for Tuesday's All-Star Game, appropriate honors for two pitchers figuring to be in the thick of the Cy Young Award race all year.
MLB All-Star Game starting lineups
AL All-Star starters
- Marcus Semien, 2B, Texas
- Shohei Ohtani, DH, Angels
- Randy Arozarena, LF, Tampa Bay
- Corey Seager, SS, Texas
- Yandy Díaz, 1B, Tampa Bay
- Adolis Garcia, RF, Texas
- Austin Hays, CF, Baltimore
- Josh Jung, 3B, Texas
- Jonah Heim, C, Texas
*Mike Trout (wrist) and Aaron Judge (toe) were voted starters but will both be unavailable due to injury.
NL All-Star starters
- Ronald Acuña Jr., RF, Atlanta
- Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers
- Mookie Betts, CF, Dodgers
- J.D. Martinez, DH, Dodgers
- Nolan Arenado, 3B, St. Louis
- Luis Arraez, 2B, Miami
- Sean Murphy, C, Atlanta
- Corbin Carroll, LF, Arizona
- Orlando Arcia, SS, Atlanta
MLB All-Star Game odds
The Midsummer Classic features plenty of betting action, and USA TODAY readers can claim unique promo codes and bonuses from various online sportsbooks to claim the best MLB betting odds. The annual showdown between the American League and National League is predicted to produce a close contest, with BetMGM placing the moneyline at -110 for both teams. Prop bets, however, are where things can get interesting. Some of the most popular All-Star Game prop bets include Shohei Ohtani recording an extra-base hit in his first plate appearance (+600), each team scoring at least three runs (+130), Luis Arraez singling in his first trip to the plate (+300) and Gerrit Cole firing a first-pitch strike to kick things off (-150), according to BetMGM.
Another popular wager is predicting the recipient of the All-Star Game MVP award. DraftKings pegs Ohtani as the overwhelming favorite at +650, followed by Ronald Acuna Jr. (+900) and Mookie Betts (+1300). Over at FanDuel, bettors can wager on first-plate appearance outcomes for a number of players, including Home Run Derby champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to notch an extra-base hit in his first trip to the dish (+850). — Richard Morin
MLB All-Star Game rosters
American League reserves
- Salvador Perez, C, Kansas City
- Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., IF, Toronto
- Whit Merrifield, IF, Toronto
- Bo Bichette, IF, Toronto
- José Ramírez, IF, Cleveland
- Wander Franco, IF, Tampa Bay+
- Luis Robert Jr., OF, White Sox
- Austin Hays, OF, Baltimore
- Yordan Alvarez, OF, Houston*
- Adolis García, OF, Texas
- Kyle Tucker, OF, Houston+
- Julio Rodríguez, OF, Seattle+
- Brent Rooker, DH, Oakland
American League pitchers
- Shohei Ohtani, RHP, Angels
- Gerrit Cole, RHP, Yankees
- Luis Castillo, RHP, Seattle
- Sonny Gray, RHP, Minnesota
- Nathan Eovaldi, RHP, Texas
- Kevin Gausman, RHP, Toronto
- Shane McClanahan, LHP, Tampa Bay*
- Framber Valdez, LHP, Houston*
- Michael Lorenzen, RHP, Detroit
- George Kirby, RHP, Seattle+
- Pablo López, RHP, Minnesota+
- Jordan Romano, RHP, Toronto+
American League relievers
- Kenley Jansen, RHO, Boston
- Emmanuel Clase, RHP, Cleveland*
- Félix Bautista, RHP, Baltimore
- Yennier Cano, RHP, Baltimore
- Carlos Estévez, RHP, Angels+
*Denotes a player who is inactive or has chosen not to play+Named as a replacement
National League reserves
- Will Smith, C, Dodgers
- Elias Díaz, C, Colorado
- Matt Olson, IF, Atlanta
- Ozzie Albies, IF, Atlanta
- Austin Riley, IF, Atlanta
- Dansby Swanson, IF, Cubs*
- Pete Alonso, IF, Mets
- Geraldo Perdomo, IF, Diamondbacks+
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr., OF, Diamondbacks
- Nick Castellanos, OF, Philadelphia
- Juan Soto, OF, San Diego
- Jorge Soler, DH, Miami
National League pitchers
- Zac Gallen, RHP, Arizona
- Spencer Strider, RHP, Atlanta*
- Bryce Elder, RHP, Atlanta*
- Justin Steele, LHP, Cubs
- Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh
- Josiah Gray, RHP, Washington
- Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers*
- Marcus Stroman, RHP Cubs*
- Kodai Senga, RHP, Mets+
- Alex Cobb, RHP, San Francisco+
- Corbin Burnes, RHP, Milwaukee+
National League relievers
- Alexis Díaz, RHP, Cincinnati
- Josh Hader, LHP, San Diego
- Devin Williams, RHP, Milwaukee*
- Camilo Doval, RHP, San Francisco
- David Bednar, RHP, Pittsburgh+
- Craig Kimbrel, RHP, Philadelphia+
Luis Robert Jr. not playing after injury in Home Run Derby
There's been times where it appeared sluggers were fatigued in the second half of the season after the Home Run Derby, but its rare someone gets injured from it.
Yet that's what happened to Luis Robert Jr., as the White Sox said their outfielder felt tightness in his right calf during the contest, and underwent an MRI. He is listed as day-to-day, and will not play in the All-Star Game as a precaution.
The No. 1 seed in Monday's event, Robert Jr. defeated Adley Rutschman in the first round, but was eliminated in the semifinals by Randy Arozarena. Despite the calf tightness, he hit the longest home run of the night at 484 feet.
Where is the 2023 MLB All-Star Game?
The All-Star Game makes its way back to the Pacific Northwest for the third time this July, with T-Mobile Park hosting the All-Star Game in Seattle. The other times Seattle has hosted the Midseason Classic: 2001 at Safeco Field and 1979 at the Kingdome.
MLB All-Star Game scores last 10 years
The American League has won the game 47 times, to the National League's 43 victories, with two ties. The American League has won nine years in a row.
- 2022 — American 3-2
- 2021 — American 5-2
- 2019 — American 4-3
- 2018 — American 8-6, 10 innings
- 2017 — American 2-1, 10 innings
- 2016 — American, 4-2
- 2015 — American, 6-3
- 2014 — American, 5-3
- 2013 — American, 3-0
- 2012 — National, 8-0
- 2011 — National, 5-1
- 2010 — National, 3-1
- 2009 — American, 4-3
- 2008 — American, 4-3, 15 innings
- 2007 — American, 5-4
- 2006 — American, 3-2
- 2005 — American, 7-5
- 2004 — American, 9-4
- 2003 — American, 7-6
- 2002 — Tied 7-7, 11 innings
Gerrit Cole All-Star Game starter
Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole, 32, made no secret of his desire to earn the starting nod, noting he often has had to take a number behind Hall of Famers in his previous five All-Star trips. This time, his overall resume and attrition ensured he would take a back seat to no one.
“It’s about time he started," AL manager Dusty Baker said.
Cole ranks fifth in the AL in ERA (2.85) and sixth in strikeouts (123), all over 117 innings, second in the AL.
Zac Gallen All-Star Game starter
Gallen, a first-time All-Star, leads the NL in wins (11) and WHIP (1.05) and his 118 1/3 innings rank third.
“Zac’s numbers just came off the page for us," NL manager Rob Thomson said.
Gallen was informed last week that he would start the game, but kept it under wraps, even from family.
"For it to come to fruition is everything and more," he said.
Psyched in Seattle: Corbin Carroll returns to hometown as an MLB All-Star
Corbin Carroll bought a plane ticket and planned to spend this week at home in Seattle, staying with his parents and little sister, hanging out with childhood friends.
Well, those plans changed.
Oh, Carroll is still coming home. He traveled back on the same flight with his high-school baseball coach, who spent the past week with him in Phoenix.
But he’s not staying at his parents’ home, after all, and may have little time to visit everyone he wants.
He checked into a downtown Seattle hotel Sunday night near T-Mobile Park.
The Arizona Diamondbacks rookie outfielder is there along with all of the other Major League Baseball All-Stars, and is the only All-Star who’ll be playing in his actual hometown.
"Can you please let everyone know he won’t be staying at the house," says his mom, Pey-Lin Carroll. "I don’t want people having any idea about coming over to the house expecting to see him."
Will Shohei Ohtani pitch in the All-Star Game?
Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani won't pitch in the game, but the major league home run leader with 32 will greet Zac Galen while the skies are still bright at T-Mobile Park.
What happens if there’s a tie at the end of nine innings?
If the game between the American and National Leagues is tied after nine innings, there will be a home run derby to determine the winner. Each team would send three hitters to the plate, getting three swings each – and the team with the most total homers wins.
MLB All-Star jerseys 2023: Players split on repping their team vs. their league
For decades, Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game was a visual feast: Thirty uniforms on one field, touching nooks and crannies of the color palette, from cream to white to baby blues.
First-half excellence could be displayed in the pregame introductions, with deserving teams and their multiple All-Stars aligned in their jerseys. And the teammates-for-a-night element took on a different hue, home run high-fives celebrated by men in different uniforms.
For better or possibly worse, that’s gone the way of homogenization.
"That's how I remember it as a kid," Devin Williams, the Milwaukee Brewers' closer, tells USA TODAY Sports. "When you take your uniform away, it kind of takes away from the identity. Who you are, who you play for. You spend all year, for me, playing for the Brewers. And I'm representing the Brewers. I think we should wear our jersey."
Does the All-Star Game still decide home-field advantage in the World Series?
No. The All-Star Game is a true exhibition, and home-field advantage in the Fall Classic is given to the pennant winner with the better regular-season record.
