District On Deck
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Washington Nationals: Predicting the home team all-stars

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: Mayor Muriel Bowser and MLB Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred unveil the logo for the 2018 All Star Game that will be held at Nationals Park next year before the start of the Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers game on July 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: Mayor Muriel Bowser and MLB Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred unveil the logo for the 2018 All Star Game that will be held at Nationals Park next year before the start of the Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers game on July 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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On the outside looking in

As of right now, we predict that only four Washington Nationals players will make it onto the All-Star team. But that doesn’t mean that others aren’t close. So who’s on the bubble?

More from District on Deck

Matt Adams in the conversation

Matt Adams has been the biggest surprise of the season for the Nats, becoming one of the most potent bats on the team. But in our predictions right now, he just misses out.

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has been at the heart of their revival this season, and is putting up MVP numbers. He’ll likely be the starter at first base.

And the NL may need a bench spot here to get a team’s representative in. This could be either Brandon Belt or Joey Votto, who’s team’s lack other options.

Rendon a victim of position

Unfortunately, popular third baseman Anthony Rendon may be in a similar spot to last season. And his case hasn’t been helped by a brief disabled list stint either.

With Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant forming quite the one-two punch for NL third baseman, Rendon would need quite the run to get there. There’s still over a month left until the teams are finalized, but he’s left himself a lot to do after the toe injury.

Gio Gonzalez close but no cigar

We could’ve easily had Stephen Strasburg here, but he’s publicly said he may skip it this time. So Gio Gonzalez may end up being the Nationals starter to get the snub for the game.

He’s been getting great results during his outings this season, with a 4-2 record and 2.36 ERA. The leftie has also been striking out more than a batter per inning, becoming a great third starter for the Nationals.

But much like Rendon, his position has plenty of top-end talents that may pip him in the end. But also, there are doubts as to whether Gonzalez can keep up his fine season while allowing so many base-runners.

Next: Harper breakout imminent

The summer classic is going to be a huge moment for the Washington Nationals, as they host their first All-Star Game since returning to the capital. And hopefully, plenty of their players will be on show for the home crowd.

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