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MLB All-Star Game: National League lineup predictions

By Nathaniel Reeves

Oct 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) heads out on his two run home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Washington Nationals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) heads out on his two run home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Washington Nationals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) reacts after striking out during the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Designated Hitter 

Starter: Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies.

MLB put a rule in place prior to the 2011 All-Star Game stating that the designated hitter would be used even in NL parks. That means Collins will get to choose the best player available who didn’t fit elsewhere on the roster.

For now, Gonzalez looks like a good candidate if he can stay healthy. Between 2011 and 2014, Gonzalez played in no more than 135 games in a single season, but was a very valuable piece when he was on the field.

Last season, Gonzalez managed to play a full season, although he was still bothered by some nagging injuries. While the 30-year-old has clearly declined defensively, he slugged 40 home runs to remind the nation of what kind of hitter he can be.

Gonzalez looks very good to start 2016 with a 175 wRC+ pace so far according to FanGraphs. With Coors Field helping, Gonzalez will put up huge counting numbers to earn the starting designated hitter role.

One potential hangup could be a trade, as the Los Angeles Angels or Baltimore Orioles might be interested in acquiring Gonzalez prior to the All-Star Game.

Reserves: Yoenis Cespedes, New York Mets.

Cespedes is absolutely mashing at the plate despite running a huge strikeout rate right now, and designated hitter would be a logical spot for him given his early season gaffes in the field. Collins will also want to give a nod to one of his players, so Cespedes is in good shape to play in San Diego.

Next: Starting Pitcher

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