FrontPageBets forecasts players, storylines to watch in 2022 MLB All-Star Game

The American League (-1.5, +170 run line at DraftKings) is set up for a power display when it faces the National League in the All-Star Game in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

The AL will have five players with 20 or more homers in the starting lineup -- Aaron Judge (33) and Giancarlo Stanton (24) of the New York Yankees, Byron Buxton (23) of the Minnesota Twins, Rafael Devers (22) of the Boston Red Sox and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (20) of the Toronto Blue Jays. And Shohei Ohtani (19) of the Los Angeles Angels is just one shy of the mark as the power pack looks to launch long balls at Dodger Stadium.

The NL (+1.5, -200) has two players with exactly 20 homers -- Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Paul Goldschmidt of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Of course, this is just one game, and the San Diego Padres' Manny Machado (15) is just as likely to go deep as Judge or Devers.

The NL's best chance at prevailing is having some solid pitching performances. Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara (9-4, 1.76) figures to be the NL's second pitcher and he should be tough on AL batters who haven't faced him before.

FrontPageBets looks at what to watch in the Midsummer Classic.

Kershaw factor

Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (7-2, 2.13 ERA) will start for the National League and he has received a magnificent draw.

He gets to sleep in his own bed, pitch on his own familiar mound and his time facing AL hitters will occur when the famous Southern California shadows make it harder to hit. Trifecta in favor of Kershaw during his first career All-Star start.

NL manager Brian Snitker of the defending champion Atlanta Braves said the Kershaw persona was a big part of the decision, saying, "Clayton's name kept coming to the forefront, just his reputation, what he's meant to the game of baseball and the Los Angeles Dodgers. I think it's perfect that he start this game for the National League."

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan (10-3, 1.71) will start for the American League and he dominates hitters. But AL manager Dusty Baker of the Houston Astros has no first-hand knowledge of that. "I've never him seen pitch," Baker said.

MVP chase

Being named MVP of the All-Star Game usually comes down to one key hit or early homer that holds up as the most pivotal moment.

It definitely helps to be a hitter.

Only twice since 2000 has a pitcher won the award -- the Yankees' Mariano Rivera in 2013 and the Cleveland Guardians' Shane Bieber in 2019.

Two shutout innings by Kershaw would put him in the mix, but we see there being at least three homers hit and the game leaning toward an offensive feel (over 7.5, -115).

Goldschmidt (+1300 for MVP) has 18 career homers in Dodger Stadium while spending most of his career in the NL West and he is highly comfortable in the ballpark. Guerrero (+600) won the MVP award last year while Judge (+500) has been in a power zone all season. Ohtani (+350) is the favorite.

Even a reserve like Kyle Schwarber (29 homers) of the Philadelphia Phillies (+7000) or Jose Ramirez (19) of the Guardians (+7000) could take home the hardware.

This, that and the other

Seattle Mariners rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez (age 21) is the club's third All-Star at age 21 or younger. The other two were Alex Rodriguez (20) and Ken Griffey Jr. (21). Good company for J-Rod.

Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras and Braves designated hitter William Contreras are the first set of brothers to make the All-Star Game in the same season since Aaron and Bret Boone in 2003. Willson is batting sixth in the order and William is batting right behind him.

Albert Pujols (age 42) of the Cardinals and Miguel Cabrera (39) of the Detroit Tigers were added to the team as legacy selections based on their career accomplishments. Only one player has gotten a hit in the All-Star Game at age 42 or older -- Carlton Fisk at age 43 in 1991.

Gambling problem? There is help. Call 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for help.