USA TODAY Sports

Adolis Garcia Starting, Rangers Make All-Star History

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Rangers
By Cole Thompson | Last updated 7/7/23

Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García was already going to get a crack to launch multiple home runs out of T-Mobile Park starting Monday night in Seattle. Now, he's just moving up the batting order.

García was named to the American League starting lineup, along with Baltimore Orioles outfielder Austin Hays as injury replacements. The duo representing two of the AL's more surprising squads in 2023 will replace New York Yankees' Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout.

García, the Rangers' power-hitting right fielder, is on pace to finish with career numbers in 2023 after a breakout start to the season. He's currently hitting .262/.332/.515 with 22 home runs and a .847 OPS while leading the majors in RBI with 71.

His 88 hits and 19 doubles both ranked top 20 among AL hitters, while his 66 runs scored ranks sixth among all qualified hitters. García's 10 outfield assists lead MLB, too.

Texas made history with García's addition to the starting lineup, becoming the first team in 47 years to have five position players start in the All-Star Game. García now joins catcher Jonah Heim, second baseman Marcus Semien, shortstop Corey Seager and third baseman Josh Jung in the starting nine after fans voted the quartet in during the first stage of All-Star voting.

García will also join close friend and former teammate Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays in the starting outfield. On Monday, the duo will square off, hoping to advance to the second round of the Home Run Derby.

The Rangers are now the fifth team in MLB history to feature five position players start in the Midsummer Classic, joining the 1939 Yankees and the 1956, 1957 and 1976 Cincinnati Reds. Texas also could add a sixth man to the historic lineup if right-hander Nathan Eovaldi gets the nod as the AL's starter.

More From SI’s Inside The Rangers: