The National League will look to prevent a fourth consecutive American League conqeust in Major League Baseball's All-Star Game, set for next Tuesday in San Diego. A look at the starting lineups and reserves for the game, announced Tuesday by MLB:
Catcher: Buster Posey, Giants
Appearance: Fourth
Age: 29
Key stat: 7.4 at bats per strikeout this season.
Why he's an All-Star: Using a late surge in the voting to overtake Yadier Molina, Posey becomes a four-time All-Star with this year’s selection. After being chosen to start last season, Posey followed it up by topping the WAR list for all NL catchers in 2016. He’s also been one of the league’s best power-hitting catchers, helping the Giants build a big lead over divisional rivals, the Dodgers, heading into the break.
Fun fact: Buster, real name Gerald Dempsey Posey III, also inherited his nickname from his father.
Reserves: Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers; Wilson Ramos, Nationals.
First Base: Anthony Rizzo, Cubs
Appearance: Third
Age: 26
Key stat: .973 OPS
Why he's an All-Star: With more than a million votes than the next first baseman, as well as battling his teammates to be the overall top vote-getter, Rizzo becomes a three-time All-Star. He is among the NL leaders in home runs, RBI and slugging percentage.
Fun fact: Rizzo played for Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
Reserves: Paul Goldschimdt, Diamondbacks, Wil Myers, Padres.
Second Base: Ben Zobrist, Cubs
Appearance: Third
Age: 35
Key stat: .404 OBP
Why he's an All-Star: Zobrist has been a welcome addition to an already-stacked Cubs lineup after helping the Royals win the World Series in 2015, and has picked up right where he left off. He currently is a top-five second baseman in both batting average and on-base percentage. With just one error on the season, the three-time All-Star makes just as much of an impact fielding as he does batting.
Fun fact: Zobrist's walk-up music is Alive by his wife, Julianna.
Reserve: Daniel Murphy, Nationals
Shortstop: Addison Russell, Cubs
Appearance: First
Age: 22
Key stat: 1.1 defensive WAR
Why he's an All-Star: Russell, just 22, might be reaping the benefits of the Cubs faithful, but the shortstop remains as the All-Star starter at his position, despite not leading in any statistical category. In fact, his batting average sits outside of the top 10 of just NL shortstops, but even so, the first-time All-Star will round out an All-Cubs infield in San Diego.
Fun fact: Russell wears 27 in honor of childhood hero, former NFL running back Eddie George.
Reserve: Corey Seager, Dodgers.
Third Base: Kris Bryant, Cubs
Appearance: Second
Age: 24
Key stat: 3.8 WAR, 22 home runs
Why he's an All-Star: Bryant, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, is proving that last year was no fluke. His WAR hovers around the top-five in regards to third baseman, as Bryant proves to be a valuable asset in the middle of the Chicago lineup. With this year’s selection, Bryant will be a two-time All-Star in as many years in the major leagues.
Fun fact: Bryant played on the same youth baseball team as Bryce Harper.
Reserves: Nolan Arenado, Rockies; Matt Carpenter, Cardinals.
Outfield: Bryce Harper, Nationals
Appearance: Fourth
Age: 23
Key stat: 65 walks
Why he's an All-Star: Despite receiving the Barry Bonds treatment this season, the 2015 NL MVP will be making his fourth All-Star appearance. While his numbers are down from a season ago, Harper is starting to pick up momentum heading into the break, and brings a major league-high 66 walks into the game.
Fun fact: Harper was ejected in his final game as an amateur after arguing a called strike.
Reserves: Adam Duvall, Reds; Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies; Odubel Herrera, Phillies; Marcell Ozuna, Marlins.
Outfield: Yoenis Cespedes, Mets
Appearance: Second
Age: 30
Key stat: 20 home runs
Why he's an All-Star: His second-half power surge was no fluke; Cespedes will bring (at least) 20 homers and 50 RBI to San Diego..
Fun fact: Cespedes' mother, Estela Milanés, pitched for Cuban softball team in the 2000 Olympics.
Outfield: Dexter Fowler, Cubs
Appearance: First
Age: 30
Key stat: .398 OBP
Why he's an All-Star: The Cubs continue to occupy All-Star starting positions with Fowler leading the way for all NL outfielders. While he’s nursing a hamstring injury, Fowler sits at 9th in the NL for on-base percentage and has remained a constant source of hitting for Chicago. This will be the 30-year-old’s first All-Star appearance.
Fun fact: Fowler, a switch hitter, didn't start batting left-handed until after he went pro.
Full list of reserves
Jonathan Lucroy, catcher, Brewers; Wilson Ramos, catcher, Nationals; Paul Goldschmidt, first base, Diamondbacks; Wil Myers, first base, Padres; Daniel Murphy, second base, Nationals; Nolan Arenado, third base, Rockies; Matt Carpenter, third base, Cardinals; Corey Seager, shortstop, Dodgers; Adam Duvall, outfield, Reds; Carlos Gonzalez, outfield, Rockies; Odubel Herrera, outfield, Phillies; Marcell Ozuna, outfield, Marlins
Starting pitchers
Jake Arrieta, Cubs; Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (injured, will not play); Noah Syndergaard, Mets; Stephen Strasburg, Nationals; Madison Bumgarner, Giants; Jose Fernandez, Marlins; Johnny Cueto, Giants; Jon Lester, Cubs; Julio Teheran, Braves.
Relief pitchers
Jeurys Familia, Mets; Fernando Rodney, Marlins; A.J. Ramos, Marlins; Kenley Jansen, Dodgers; Mark Melancon, Pirates.
GALLERY: NL ALL-STAR GAME STARTERS
