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NL’s Sanchez Starts 2026 All-Star Game vs Cease

7/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NL manager Dave Roberts named Cristopher Sanchez the starter for the 2026 All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14.
Sanchez entered the break with an 11-4 record, 2.62 ERA, 144 strikeouts and 5.4 WAR lead.
He posted a 50 2/3-inning streak and signed extensions worth $107 million in March and $104 million for 2026, keeping him through 2032.
Sanchez will pitch against AL starter Dylan Cease, the All-Star starter since Clayton Kershaw in 2022.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the All-Star Game at Coors Field produced a 13-8 AL win, the highest-scoring classic, and later that season left-hander Randy Johnson led the majors with 329 strikeouts and was traded to the Houston Astros on July 31. His dominance helped spark a wave of pitcher deals, a pattern echoed in 2026 when NL pitcher Cristopher Sanchez secured a $104 million extension after a 144-strikeout season.

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Story summary

NL manager Dave Roberts named Cristopher Sanchez the starter for the 2026 All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14.
Sanchez entered the break with an 11-4 record, 2.62 ERA, 144 strikeouts and 5.4 WAR lead.
He posted a 50 2/3-inning streak and signed extensions worth $107 million in March and $104 million for 2026, keeping him through 2032.
Sanchez will pitch against AL starter Dylan Cease, the All-Star starter since Clayton Kershaw in 2022.

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