The MLB All-Star Game returns Tuesday night from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The American League and National League will meet at 8 p.m. ET in a game that looks different from a regular-season matchup.
The rosters are full of stars, but betting the All-Star Game takes a different approach. Pitchers rarely stay on the mound for long, managers use many substitutions, and one swing can change the game.
Here are three angles worth watching before first pitch.
1. Early Innings Could Stay Quiet
American League starter Dylan Cease finished the first half in good form. The National League counters with Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez in front of the home crowd. Both teams also have a long list of relief pitchers available, making it difficult for hitters to see the same pitcher twice.
That usually leads to limited scoring during the first few innings.
2. Watch the First-Time All-Stars
This year’s game features a record 29 first-time All-Stars. Players such as Ben Rice, Jordan Walker, Brandon Marsh, and Munetaka Murakami will get their first chance on baseball’s biggest summer stage.
These players often receive fewer betting headlines than the established stars, but they can still decide the outcome with one hit or one defensive play.
3. Don’t Forget the Swing-Off Rule
One betting factor that many fans overlook is the All-Star Game tiebreaker.
If the game is tied after nine innings, there are no extra innings. Instead, each league selects three hitters for a Home Run Derby-style swing-off to decide the winner. That rule was introduced to reduce pitcher workload and remains in place this season.
Anyone betting the moneyline should remember that the game can be decided by home runs instead of traditional baseball.
Prediction
The National League has several hometown players, including Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, plus a lineup that matches up well from top to bottom. The American League has enough talent to keep the game close, but the NL may have a slight edge if the contest turns into a battle of power late.
Best Bet: National League Moneyline
Score Prediction: National League 5, American League 4.
