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AL All-Star Game lineup: MVP frontrunners will make Clayton Kershaw earn his keep

By Aryanna Prasad

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 14: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts in the dugout prior to a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium on June 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 14: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts in the dugout prior to a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium on June 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw makes the first All-Star start of his MLB career — but the 2022 AL All-Star Game lineup will keep him in check.

It’s a big moment for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who was named the starting NL All-Star Game pitcher for the first time in his MLB career, thanks to Freddie Freeman.

As impressive a feat as that is for Kershaw, he will be facing stiff competition in an AL All-Star Game lineup that’s teeming with MVP frontrunners.

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Kershaw and his NL teammates will be facing the likes of Vlad Guerrero Jr., Rafael Devers, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani. Although there are a few noticeable absences that have been sidelined due to injury, the AL still has a formidable lineup to face off against Kershaw.

Here are the best and brightest of the AL who are representing the league in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game on July 19th.

AL All-Star Game lineup: MVP frontrunners square up against Clayton Kershaw

Catcher: Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays

First Base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

Second Base: Andres Gimenez, Cleveland Guardians

Third Base: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox

Shortstop: Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox

Outfield: Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins

Outfield: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

Outfield: Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees

Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels

Andres Gimenez is scheduled to replace Jose Altuve, who is currently dealing with an injury. The same is true for Byron Buxton, who is set to replace an injured Mike Trout.

If MVP betting odds are any consideration for what Kershaw is up against, the AL roster represents quite a challenge for the seasoned pitcher. Shohei Ohtani tops the list with -105 odds, followed by Aaron Judge at +140. Vlad Guerrero Jr., Byron Buxton and Giancarlo Stanton are all within the top 10 candidates for AL MVP favorites, according to Vegas Insider.

Must Read. How Freddie Freeman played a role in Clayton Kershaw’s All-Star starting nod. light

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