Philly's All-Star Starter
Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez Named NL All-Star Game Starter in Philadelphia
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Key Points
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Sánchez's season line includes 144 strikeouts, a 1.19 WHIP, and 127.1 innings across 20 starts.
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He has a complete-game shutout this season and owns a 50 2/3-inning scoreless streak, the longest by a left-handed pitcher this season and among MLB's longest.
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Ohtani withdrew from the All-Star Game due to injury, reshaping the NL roster considerations as Sánchez was named the starter.
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In addition to Sánchez starting, Brandon Marsh is slated to start in the NL outfield and Kyle Schwarber is expected to be the NL's starting designated hitter.
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The news was carried by multiple outlets, including Jon Heyman of The New York Post and Bleacher Report.
Cristopher Sánchez will start on the mound for the National League in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, according to The New York Post. The game takes place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia — Sánchez's home ballpark — making this a rare and fitting moment for the Phillies left-hander.
Sánchez enters the midsummer classic with one of the best records in baseball. He is 11-4 with a 2.62 ERA, 144 strikeouts, and a 1.19 WHIP across 127.1 innings in 20 starts, per The New York Times.
Sánchez Starts at Home for the First Time Since Halladay
No Phillies pitcher has started an All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park before. The last time a Phillies starter took the mound in the midsummer classic was Roy Halladay in 2011, according to The New York Times. Sánchez now joins that short list in his own ballpark.
This is Sánchez's second All-Star appearance. He was selected in 2024, then widely seen as snubbed in 2025. Starting in Philadelphia in front of the home crowd makes the 2026 nod especially meaningful, Clutch Points noted.
A Record-Breaking Scoreless Streak Powers His Selection
Sánchez's case for the start was hard to argue against. He owns a 50 2/3-inning scoreless streak — the longest by a left-handed pitcher this season and one of the longest in all of MLB, per Delaware Online. He also has a complete-game shutout to his name this year.
That kind of run is rare. A scoreless streak of more than 50 innings means opponents have gone without a single run for roughly six full games. His 2.62 ERA and 11 wins back up the streak with consistent excellence all season long.
Ohtani's Injury Opened the Door — Sánchez Walked Through It
Shohei Ohtani withdrew from the All-Star Game due to injury, reshaping the NL roster. His absence forced a reshuffle at the top of the pitching order, according to The New York Times. Sánchez was the clear pick once the spot was open.
Sánchez was not the only Phillie set to shine. Outfielder Brandon Marsh is slated to start in the NL outfield. First baseman Kyle Schwarber is expected to be the NL's starting designated hitter, per Burlington County Times.
Philadelphia Gets Its Own All-Star Moment This Summer
The 96th MLB All-Star Game is a homecoming for Philadelphia fans. Citizens Bank Park will host the midsummer classic for the first time. Having Sánchez — a fan favorite — start the game adds a local storyline that few cities get to enjoy, Yahoo Sports reported.
Sánchez is 29 years old and now firmly in his prime. His back-to-back All-Star appearances, separated by a year he was passed over, show how quickly his profile has risen. Starting the All-Star Game at home in front of Phillies fans may be the peak of his career so far.
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