Outside The Confines: Your 2021 All-Stars are finalized

The MLB All-Star Game is a little over a week away, and after the conclusion of popular voting, as well as additional selections, and pitcher announcements, the final rosters for the American and National League All-Star teams have been determined. On July 13, the best of the best, or at least the most well-loved, players will take the field to determine... well, nothing. Since the game is no longer for home-field advantage in the World Series, it’s really just a great way to showcase the game to potential new fans, and for all fans to have some fun.

This season’s All-Star Game is historic for one major reason, and that’s Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar becomes the first player in MLB history to be selected to the ASG roster as both a position player and a pitcher. It’s an incredible milestone for Ohtani, who many believe is the player to beat for this year’s AL MVP.

Read more about the All-Star Game in these featured stories:

• Joseph Salvador looks at the rosters, and Ohtani’s historical selection.
• David Schoenfield assesses the selections, as well as the most notable snubs.
• MLB.com has the complete list of rosters, reserves, and pitchers.
• Sarah Langs, Tom Harrigan, Manny Randhawa go a bit deeper with a team-by-team overview.
• Anthony Castrovince takes a look at the rosters specifically.

Now on to the rest of today’s links!

• Sam Blum spotlights why it is that Ohtani is more than an All-Star, he’s a superstar. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• David DeBolt shares the newest terms for Oakland’s Howard Terminal ballpark.
• RJ McDaniel goes through five specific strikeouts in Yu Darvish’s incredible career.
• ESPN has the mid-season power rankings, looking at who leads the way ahead of the ASG.
• MLB continues to lean into stupid trends, and this one just feels... weird. It’s great that the money goes to ALS research, but selling an iconic moment just feels icky.

• On the note of ALS, Tisha Thompson and Zachary Budman have the story of Stephen Piscotty and an A’s fan with ALS.
• Owen McGrattan takes a long at the ageless wonder that is Yuli Gurriel.
• Is Josh Donaldson what the Mets need to make a postseason push? Nick Selbe suggests the hot New York club might be circling.
• Zach Meisel brings us the story of a veteran who found his calling as an umpire. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Is Sergio Romo the first person to get a sponsorship deal out of Stickygate?

• Devan Fink explores the reinvention of Garrett Richards.
• In a disturbing story that continues to develop, MLB has placed Trevor Bauer on administrative leave pending further investigation into his assault charges. Story by Michael Shapiro. Josh dug into this a bit in Friday’s OTC so I won’t rehash the grim details here, but needless to say it’s important MLB takes this case seriously.
• Derek Rhoads and Rob Mains do a deep dive into pitcher injuries. (Baseball Prospectus Premium required.)
• Jerry Bembry gives us an overview of the Dodgers visit to the White House.
• Speaking of... I love this so much.

• Katie Campione explains the story behind Kelly’s stylish jacket choice.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.