Smoke from Canadian wildfires hovered over Pittsburgh on Thursday, concealing the city’s skyline from the seats at PNC Park. The Pirates and Padres played regardless, but not without delay and protest from players. Players showed up to the ballpark for the afternoon game one day after playing in similarly smoky conditions for Game 2 of the three-game series. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Thursday’s smoke “seemed to have infiltrated the Pirates clubhouse” by the time players arrived. Pirates stalwart and former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen expressed concern about the conditions while speaking with the Post-Gazette: “I feel like there’s not…
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The Texas Rangers lead the majors with four players voted as 2023 MLB All-Star Game starters, the league announced Thursday. Here’s what you need to know about the rosters: The Rangers are the first MLB team with at least four elected All-Star Game starters since 2016, Texas said, also setting a franchise record. The remainder of the All-Star rosters, including pitchers and reserve position players for both teams, will be announced at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday on ESPN. The game is set for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 11, at the Mariners’ T-Mobile Park. It will air on…
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This Major League Baseball All-Star Game will feature not just new blood, but instant impact. Seven first-time All-Stars were selected to start the July 11 game at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park as fan balloting for the second phase of voting was revealed Thursday. Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. already captured starting spots by leading their respective leagues in voting during the first stage. Two finalists at each of the 16 other positions advanced to a final stage of voting, which stretched from Monday until Thursday at noon ET. The winners largely reflected…