Former University of San Diego baseball star Kris Bryant will start at third base in next week's All-Star Game at Petco Park, one of four Chicago Cubs to start in the National League infield, Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday.
Bryant will be joined by first baseman Anthony Rizzo, a former Padre, second baseman Ben Zobrist and shortstop Addison Russell.
"Everyone's very deserving — having very good years, and I think as a team the record kind of reflects it," Bryant told ESPN.
Other National League starters include San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and outfielders Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, Yoenis Cespedis of the New York Mets and Dexter Fowler of the Cubs. Fowler is recovering from an injury but is hoping to make it back into the game.
Stephen Strasburg, the Santee native who played his college ball at San Diego State, will represent the Washington Nationals. Strasburg has compiled a won-loss record of 11-0 as a starting pitcher but was recently on the disabled list.
The Padres will be represented by first baseman Wil Myers, the league's Player of the Month for June.
"It's a huge honor," Myers said in a tweet posted by the Padres. "I'm very excited to be a part of it and to represent San Diego."
The National League roster also includes Fernando Rodney, the reliever who was traded by the Padres last week to the Miami Marlins.
The American League starting lineup is highlighted by designated hitter David Ortiz, who is retiring after 20 seasons with the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. The leading AL vote-getter was Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez.
The other American League starters are:
• First base, Eric Hosmer, Royals.
• Second base, Jose Altuve, Houston Astros.
• Shortstop, Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox.
• Third base, Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles.
• Outfield, Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels.
• Outfield, Jackie Bradley Jr., Red Sox.
• Outfield, Mookie Betts, Red Sox.
The American League pitching staff has three pitchers with local connections — former Rancho Bernardo High School star Cole Hamels of the Texas Rangers and two ex-Padres, Orioles reliever Brad Brach and Craig Kimbrel of the Red Sox.
The rosters were announced on ESPN, and guests appearing on the show wore brown and yellow uniforms reminiscent of the old Padres duds.
The All-Star Game will be played Tuesday at Petco Park, though festivities surrounding it begin on Thursday.
