A familiar face will be on the mound at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia when the National League takes the field for the 2026 All-Star Game.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Philadelphia Phillies star Cristopher Sanchez will be the starting pitcher for the National League on July 14. Sanchez has logged an 11-4 record and 2.62 ERA with 144 strikeouts across an MLB-leading 20 starts. Sanchez is now a two-time All-Star, but this will be his first time starting the All-Star Game.
The 29-year-old southpaw is having a strong season, boasting a 4.8 % walk rate and impressive 57.6% groundball rate.
He picked up his 11th win on the season on July 11, going seven innings and only surrendering two earned runs while striking out seven.
His 144 strikeouts rank third in all of MLB and second in the NL. Sanchez has been a dominant force in the Phillies rotation along with Jesus Luzardo, who is also an All-Star this season. Zach Wheeler was invited but declined as he felt disrespected to be an injury replacement.