Max Scherzer gets nod for MLB all-star game

16 July 2013 09:12

Detroit Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer and New York Mets' Matt Harvey have been selected as the starting pitchers for the 2013 Major League Baseball all-star game.

National League manager Bruce Bochy of the San Francisco Giants and American League skipper Jim Leyland of the Detroit Tigers made the announcements Monday.

Harvey will be the first pitcher to start an all-star game in his home stadium since Roger Clemens for Houston in 2004. The young Mets right-hander is 7-2 with a 2.35 ERA and an NL-best 147 strikeouts in 19 starts this season.

"It's a huge honour," said Harvey of the start at Citi Field park.

Harvey will be the first Mets all-star starting pitcher since Dwight Gooden in 1988. Harvey didn't make his first MLB start until July 2012.

The only other Met pitcher to start an all-star Game was Tom Seaver in 1970.

Scherzer is 13-1 this season, suffering his first loss on Saturday against Texas.

He is tied with Tampa Bay's Matt Moore for the MLB lead in wins and is second in the American League with 152 strikeouts with an ERA of 3.19 in 19 starts.

The lineup for the American League will open with Anaheim Angels' Mike Trout in left field, followed by New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano and reigning MVP Miguel Cabrera of Detroit at third.

Baltimore slugger Chris Davis will play first base. He will be followed in the batting order by Toronto right fielder Jose Bautista, Boston designated hitter David Ortiz, Baltimore centre fielder Adam Jones, Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer and Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy.

Cincinnati second baseman Brandon Phillips will lead off batting for the National League with St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran up next. Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto will hit third and Mets third baseman David Wright will bat cleanup.

Colorado left fielder Carlos Gonzalez will hit fifth followed by St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina and Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Colorado's Michael Cuddyer will be the designated hitter and Washington's Bryce Harper bats ninth and will play center field.

Source: DSG