Dave Roberts didn’t dance around it. The National League manager for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game picked Cristopher Sanchez to start Tuesday night, and he basically said it’s because the game is in Philadelphia.
Sanchez earned it on the numbers, sure. He’s got a 2.62 ERA over a league-leading 20 starts. He’s struck out 144 guys in 127.1 innings. But Roberts gave the real story when he talked to Katie Woo of The Athletic.
“I try to do it from the lens of: This is for the fans,” Roberts said. “What allows for the fans to have the best experience? Their hometown guy starting the game is the way to do it.”
That’s about as honest as you’ll get from a manager in a situation like this. The All-Star Game is basically an exhibition at this point — the World Series home-field advantage thing got scrapped years ago — so why not give the crowd something to really cheer for right out of the gate?
Why Sanchez Got the Nod Over Others
The 29-year-old lefty wasn’t the only candidate. Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski has been lights-out too, but he’s not pitching in the game. Same goes for Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto — both sitting this one out for the Dodgers. Even if all three were available, Roberts probably still goes with Sanchez. It’s hard to imagine a manager telling 45,000 Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park that their guy isn’t starting.
Philadelphia is absolutely loaded with representatives at this thing. Six Phillies made the roster. Sanchez will be joined by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Jhoan Duran, Brandon Marsh and Jesus Luzardo. Every one of them is going to get a massive ovation when they’re introduced. Some of those guys might even get a curtain call or two.
The All-Star Game itself is scheduled for 8 PM Eastern on Tuesday. First pitch should be electric with Sanchez on the mound and the home crowd at full throat.
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