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MLB All-Star Game: American League lineup predictions

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) reacts after hitting a single in the 12th inning against the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) reacts after hitting a single in the 12th inning against the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring on an inside the park home run during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring on an inside the park home run during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Outfield

Starters: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Lorenzo Cain, Kansas City Royals. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays.

There shouldn’t be too much drama in the fan voting for the starting outfielders, as three candidates stand out as the clear top choices. However, the group of reserves could provide a few surprises.

Slow start or not, Trout will be heading to the All-Star Game for the fifth straight year and earn his fourth straight start. Trout, who narrowly trailed only Donaldson on the overall vote leaderboard last season, will get that type of fan support again, and he will improve upon his 100 wRC+ start to the season per FanGraphs anyway.

Kansas City may not have quite the voter turnout as last year, but it will still have enough to get the deserving Cain his second straight All-Star start. Cain’s terrific defense in center has been a huge part of the Royals’ blueprint over the past two years, and he’s combined for 11.5 WAR per FanGraphs over that timeframe. The bat also really came alive last year with a 129 wRC+, and Cain should be at least an above-average hitter moving forward, even if he doesn’t match that mark again.

The only change in the starting outfield from last season will be Bautista in over Alex Gordon. While Gordon is a really good player, Bautista probably deserved the nod last year, and Toronto will ensure he makes his sixth straight All-Star Game. For good measure, Bautista easily leads all AL outfielders with 1.1 WAR in the early going per FanGraphs.

Reserves: J.D. Martinez, Detroit Tigers. Brett Gardner, New York Yankees. Mark Trumbo, Baltimore Orioles.

Martinez has continued his unexpected emergence in Detroit, and is on pace to have the numbers for his second straight appearance. Just when Gardner looked like he was in trouble following a poor 2015 season marred by nagging injuries, he’s off to a 162 WRC+ start at the plate, and has the all-round game to earn a reserve role. Trumbo’s overall value is hurt by playing the field every day, but he’s going to put up huge home run and RBI totals in Baltimore to get a spot.

Next: Designated Hitter

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