NEW YORK (AP) — The Chicago Cubs became the first team since the 1976 Cincinnati Reds’ Big Red Machine to have five players voted as All-Star Game starters when their entire infield earned the honor Tuesday along with centerfielder Dexter Fowler.
First baseman Anthony Rizzo, second baseman Ben Zobrist, shortstop Addison Russell and third baseman Kris Bryant also were elected. The only other team to start four infielders was the 1963 St. Louis Cardinals.
The July 12 game at San Diego’s Petco Park will feature 11 first-time starters, the most since 2005. In a sign of the sport’s generational change, 12 of the 17 elected starters are 26 or younger.
Boston has three-first time starters and four overall. Designated hitter David Ortiz, who is retiring at the end of the season, became a 10-time All-Star and is joined by shortstop Xander Bogaerts and outfielders Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts.
The St. Louis Cardinals are shut out of the starting line-up for the first time since 2007. Matt Carpenter is the lone Cardinal representative. Aledmys Diaz was not on the ballot, with his late arrival to the ball club in April. He is not on the Final Vote ballot either.
Carpenter Only Cards ASG Rep, Cubs Have 5 Starters https://t.co/yCIhdGG88L