McClanahan is in a race with Justin Verlander for the Cy Young Award, but the decision between the Rays ace and Baker’s own was taken out of his hands with Verlander starting this weekend. With Verlander inactive for Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic, McClanahan was a no-brainer of a choice.

Kershaw, meanwhile, is getting the nod over the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara. Both have had outstanding seasons in their own right, but think of Kershaw starting as Leonardo DiCaprio winning Best Actor for The Revenant: There are external factors contributing to the decision, and that’s OK.

It’s southpaw vs. southpaw in the City of Angels. Both have been statistically outstanding. Here’s a look at just how good they’ve been.

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Clayton Kershaw vs. Shane McClanahan stats

Kershaw and McClanahan have had seasons that befit All-Star starters, regardless of what one might think about whether or not others could have gotten a start.

Kershaw’s 2.13 ERA is his lowest since 2016, when he posted a season-long ERA of 1.69. McClanahan, meanwhile, boasts MLB bests in ERA and WHIP, and his ERA+ is the best in the American League.

Both pitchers have been utterly outstanding this year. Dodgers vs. Rays, of course, is also a rematch of the 2020 World Series, which the Dodgers won in six games. McClanahan wasn’t part of that 2020 team, so expect a warmer reception for him than Verlander would have gotten, given the Dodgers’ history with the Astros.

*Odds courtesy of Sports Interactions. Over 23 bets available here.

Other pitchers in 2022 All-Star Game

Starting pitcher in the All-Star Game is a nice feather in the cap for a player, but pitcher is a particularly fun position to join in on. Here’s a look at the pitching staffs for each side.

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AL pitching staff

NL pitching staff

    • Added as a replacement

As a friendly reminder, being named the starter doesn’t necessarily make a pitcher the “best” that season. Rather, it can be a sign of respect or just downright fun, like in this case. This is Kershaw’s ninth All-Star appearance, whereas it’s McClanahan’s first.