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Washington Nationals: Home team All-Stars announced

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: The logo for the 2018 All Star Game is shown during a news conference at Nationals Park 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: The logo for the 2018 All Star Game is shown during a news conference at Nationals Park 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 Sunday night, the provisional All-Star Game rosters were announced. The NL contained three Washington Nationals and a certain rookie on the final vote.

The All-Star Game and the festivities that come with it are just eight days away. The Washington Nationals will be well represented at the event, with three of their players earning a selection to the squad.

They have one definite starter and potentially another one to follow depending on the management’s decision. They also have a certain shortstop on the final vote, who needs our help to make it.

So let’s take a look at which players made the cut:

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Bryce Harper – OF

To the surprise of nobody, Bryce Harper made the cut as a starting outfielder for the team. He had been locked into the top three in voting the whole process.

Whether he deserves to be a starter is another question, given the down season he’s been having so far. He’s still third in the league in home runs and is in the top 25 in OPS, so he’s still been productive, but not quite All-Star productive.

One side effect of Harper getting voted in is that he will definitely be taking part in the home run derby. He immediately will be one of the favorites to win it in his home ballpark and will love every moment of it.

Max Scherzer – SP

Once again, Max Scherzer‘s fourth straight NL All-Star team should come as no surprise to anyone. He’s the favorite to wrap up another Cy Young and has even garnered MVP attention this year.

Now the debate turns to whether he should start the game on the mound. It would be shocking if he didn’t, given the home ballpark effect combined with how dominant he’s been this year.

Sean Doolittle – RP

This selection will not come as a surprise to those that have regularly watched the Nationals this year. Sean Doolittle has been one of the most dominant closers in the game in 2018 and could get the chance to close the door in the game.

Currently fourth in the NL in saves, and holding a 1.45 ERA which is lowest among all players with at least 10 saves. It’s his first nod on the NL team after one ALL All-Star appearance, and it’s fully deserved.

Next: Fold, stick or twist at the deadline?

The Washington Nationals are going to be well represented at their home All-Star Game. It’s going to be a magnificent occasion for the entire District of Columbia.

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