When the American League All-Star team takes the field in the first inning, almost half of the players will be representing the Houston Astros. George Springer and Michael Brantley make up two-thirds of the outfield, Alex Bregman will man third base, and Justin Verlander will be on the mound as the starting pitcher.
Verlander becomes the fifth pitcher from Houston to be honored as the managers choice to be the starter for the Summer Classic. J. R. Richard was the first Astro to start the All-Star Game in 1980.