Cubs News: Kris Bryant named to 2019 NL All-Star team |
Chicago Cubs third baseman
Kris Bryant has been named to the National League All-Star team on Sunday.
Bryant was named to the prestigious event for the third time in his young career and for first selection since his MVP season in 2016. He was selected as a reserve by the commissioner's office and not by the fan or player voting. He is now one of only three third basemen in franchise history to earn at least three All-Star nods, joining Ron Santo (nine times, 1963-66, 1968-69, 1971-73) and Stan Hack (four times, 1938-39, 1941, 1943). “This is the most special one I’ve had so far, and that means a lot,” Bryant told the media on Sunday. I’m not done yet. It’s still the hallway point. There are a lot of games to play. But it feels nice.” The All-Star game will at Progressive Field in Cleveland on July 9. For the season, Bryant is batting .287 with 16 homers, 41 RBIs and a .926 OPS in 79 games. He joins his talented teammates Willson Contreras and Javy Baez on the NL squad. Báez is the first player in major league history to start the All-Star game at second base and shortstop in back-to-back seasons. Contreras is the first Cub catcher to start the All-Star game in consecutive seasons since Gabby Hartnett in 1936-37. In former Cubs news, Tommy '3AM' La Stella made his first career All-Star game selection. All-Star Kris Bryant was batting .221 with 1 HR and a .691 OPS over his first 20 games this season. In the next 60 games, including his two doubles and walk on Sunday, Bryant has slashed .311/.418/.603 with 15 HR. Congratulations to @KrisBryant_23, who has been named to the NL All-Star team! pic.twitter.com/6Tm7m2pSKf