Fernando Tatis Jr. topped the field among National League shortstops and will be a starter in the 2021 All-Star Game in Denver.
He becomes the first Padre to be voted in as a starter since Tony Gwynn in 1998 and 1999, according to MLB.com.
Going into Thursday’s game, Tatis was hitting .298 with 26 home runs, 56 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. He leads the NL in homers and shares the RBI lead.
“His personality and his love for the game is all contagious,” manager Jayce Tingler told MLB. “I don’t know how you measure those things, but … it’s significant on our ballclub.”
Tatis will not, however, be part of the Home Run Derby, a highlight of the annual All-Star festivities, due to his ongoing issues with his left shoulder, MLB.com reported.
For a complete list of All-Star starters, see MLB.com.
Pitchers and reserves for the July 13 game will be revealed Sunday. Padres who merit mention for a reserve role include infielders Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado, starter Yu Darvish and closer Mark Melancon.
Ryan Weathers, in his return from Triple-A, started for the Friars Wednesday and the team held a 4-3 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. The usually reliable Melancon though faltered, giving up three hits, including a home run, to give the Reds a 5-4 win.
The Reds salvaged the rubber game of the series after the Padres took their first six meetings of 2021, including a sweep last month at Petco Park.
The Padres close out their short road trip in Philadelphia. Chris Paddack and Darvish take the mound the first two games, with Sunday’s starter TBD.