MVP frontrunners will make Clayton Kershaw earn his keep

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is making the first All-Star start of his MLB career — but the 2022 AL All-Star Game lineup will keep him in check.

It’s a big moment for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who was named the starting pitcher of the NL All-Star Game for the first time in his MLB career. Thanks to Freddie Freeman.

As impressive as a performance is for Kershaw, he will face stiff competition in an AL All-Star Game roster teeming with MVP leaders.

Kershaw and his NL teammates will face the likes of Vlad Guerrero Jr., Rafael Devers, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. While there are some notable injury-related absences, the AL still have an impressive lineup to face Kershaw.

Here are the AL’s best and brightest representing the league at the 2022 MLB All-Star Game on July 19.

AL All-Star Game Lineup: MVP Leaders face off against Clayton Kershaw

catcher: Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays

First base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

Second base: Andres Gimenez, Cleveland Guardians

Third base: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox

short stop: Tim AndersonChicago White Sox

outfield: Byron Buxton, Minnesota twins

outfield: Aaron Richter, New York Yankees

outfield: Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees

Designated Batsman: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels

Andres Gimenez is set to replace the injured Jose Altuve. The same goes for Byron Buxton, who is set to replace the injured Mike Trout.

If MVP betting odds matter for what Kershaw is facing, the AL list presents quite a challenge for the veteran pitcher. Shohei Ohtani tops the list at -105 odds, followed by Aaron Judge at +140. Vlad Guerrero Jr., Byron Buxton and Giancarlo Stanton are all among the top 10 contenders for AL MVP favorites Vegas Insider.