The 2025 MLB All-Star Game National League starting lineup features Shohei Ohtani as the designated hitter, leading a strong contingent of Los Angeles Dodgers players in the midsummer classic. The All-Star Game festivities began on Monday, highlighting key players from both leagues competing to continue their league’s dominance in the prestigious matchup.
Overview of the 2025 MLB All-Star Week and Teams
This year’s Major League Baseball All-Star Week opened with a historic moment as Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh became the first catcher ever to win the Home Run Derby, setting excitement for the American League (AL) versus National League (NL) showdown. The AL has maintained control of the series for much of the past decade, winning 10 of the last 11 All-Star Games. Although the NL snapped a nine-game losing streak with a victory in 2023, the AL responded with a 5-3 triumph last season at Globe Life Field, making their overall record 48-44-2 against the NL.
The American League is managed by New York Yankees’ Aaron Boone, marking his first time leading the AL squad, while the National League team is guided once again by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Starting Pitchers Leading Each League
Tarik Skubal will start for the American League after a powerful start to the season with the Detroit Tigers, where he posted a 10-3 record, a 2.23 ERA, and averaged over 11 strikeouts per nine innings across 121 innings. This selection marks Skubal’s second straight All-Star appearance.
For the National League, Paul Skenes has earned the starting pitcher role for the second year running. Following a remarkable rookie season, Skenes has maintained impressive stats in 2025, including a 2.01 ERA and 131 strikeouts, ranking him eighth in the league. Despite this, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, another Dodgers pitcher originally selected, will not participate in the All-Star Game after pitching against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. Andrew Abbott of the Cincinnati Reds will take his place.
Key Dodgers Players Named to National League All-Star Roster
The Dodgers feature prominently on the National League roster with five players included. Shohei Ohtani occupies the leadoff spot as DH, Freddie Freeman bats cleanup and starts at first base, and Will Smith is the starting catcher batting sixth. veteran Clayton Kershaw also joins the team, along with Yamamoto, though the latter will be replaced on the active roster.
National League Starting Lineup Details
The official National League starting lineup is:
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani (LAD), Left Field: Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL), Second Base: Ketel Marte (AZ), First Base: Freddie Freeman (LAD), Third Base: Manny Machado (SD), Catcher: Will Smith (LAD), Right Field: Kyle Tucker (CHC), Shortstop: Francisco Lindor (NYM), Center Field: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC).
National League Backup Players and Pitching Staff
The NL reserves include catchers, infielders, and outfielders such as Hunter Goodman (COL) and Pete Alonso (NYM), and outfield stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD). The pitching roster is deep with starters like Matthew Boyd (CHI), MacKenzie Gore (WSH), and Freddy Peralta (MIL), while the bullpen features pitchers such as Edwin Díaz (NYM) and Jason Adam (SD). Several players, including Abbott and Jacob Misiorowski (MIL), were named as replacements due to original selections being unavailable.
American League Starters and Reserves
The American League starting lineup features Cal Raleigh behind the plate, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base, and notable names like Aaron Judge in the outfield and Ryan O’Hearn as designated hitter. Junior Caminero replaced José Ramírez, who chose to opt out of the All-Star Game. The AL reserves roster is extensive, with players like Alejandro Kirk (TOR) and Randy Arozarena (SEA) included, along with a strong pitching staff led by Hunter Brown (HOU) and Max Fried (NYY). Several pitchers were also named as replacements.
The Importance of the All-Star Game and Dodgers’ Impact
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game carries high tension as the National League attempts to reclaim momentum against the American League’s long-standing dominance. The presence of standout Dodgers players, especially Shohei Ohtani’s role as the lineup’s anchor, brings added attention and expectation on the NL side. Ohtani’s dual-threat ability as both a hitter and pitcher continues to elevate his status within the league, making his participation crucial for NL’s hopes.
Moreover, the mix of seasoned veterans like Clayton Kershaw and emerging talent such as Paul Skenes reflects the blend of experience and youth that the Dodgers contribute to the National League roster. Fans and analysts will closely watch how these elements influence the game’s outcome amid the underlying pressure for the NL to perform.
This All-Star event not only honors individual excellence but also tests the competitive balance between the leagues, potentially setting the tone for the remainder of the season as teams and players aim to assert their dominance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani is the sole person who belongs to the 50/50 club.