Kyle Schwarber was named Shohei Ohtani’s replacement in the National League All-Star lineup and will hit leadoff for the NL All-Stars on July 14. The move puts the Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter at the top of the order for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
The change matters now because the starting lineups have been set, and Brandon Marsh was the Phillies’ only player voted in by fans before Schwarber was added. That gives Philadelphia more than one starter in a showcase that will be played in front of a hometown crowd at Citizens Bank Park.
Dave Roberts set the lineup with Schwarber in the No. 1 spot, followed by Juan Soto batting second in left field, Freddie Freeman third at first base and CJ Abrams cleanup at shortstop. Max Muncy hits fifth at third base, Ozzie Albies sixth at second, Brandon Marsh seventh in right field, Andy Pages eighth in center and Drake Baldwin ninth behind the plate.
Ohtani had earned an automatic starting spot after leading the National League in Phase 1 fan voting, but he will not take part because of left knee discomfort and inflammation. His absence did more than open a single roster spot; it shifted the top of the NL order and handed Schwarber the leadoff job, a role that can change the rhythm of the entire lineup from the first pitch.
What comes next is simple: Schwarber will step into Ohtani’s place when the 2026 MLB All-Star Game begins on July 14, with Phillies fans now watching for how their hitter opens the game and how many times his name echoes through Citizens Bank Park.
