Outfielder Ian Desmond and left-handed pitcher Cole Hamels have been selected to play for the American League in the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which will take place on Tuesday, July 12 at Petco Park in San Diego.
Desmond, who finished fifth in the American League player voting among outfielders, was selected to his second All-Star Game. The 30 year old turned down a seven-year, $107 million contract extension from the Washington Nationals back in 2014. He signed a one-year deal to join the Texas Rangers prior to spring training when the Rangers lost Josh Hamilton to a knee injury. He entered Tuesday hitting .321 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI.
San Diego native Cole Hamels placed fourth in the American League player voting among starting pitchers. He's making the All-Star team for the 4th time, he is a three-time National League All-Star. Hamels is 9-2 with a 2.93 ERA in 17 starts with Texas in 2016. He told Pat Doney during spring training in Surprise, Arizona that making the team and playing in front of the hometown fans was really important to him.
It marks the 6th time in the last 7 years that a Rangers starting pitcher has been selected to the American League All-Star Team.
