3 Nationals Named All-Stars; Bryce Harper in “Final Vote”

Washington Nationals starting pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez and shortstop Ian Desmond have all been named to the National League's All-Star team.

Strasburg earns his first-career nomination in his first full season with a 9-3 record, 2.81 ERA and a MLB-leading 122 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Gonzalez will make his second-consecutive All-Star appearance; he was on the AL team last season with the Oakland Athletics. Gonzalez is 10-3 with a 2.78 ERA (11-3 after defeating the Atlanta Braves Sunday afternoon).

Desmond, like Strasburg, will also appear in his first All-Star Game. Desmond is batting .276 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs.

The three guaranteed All-Stars give the Nationals their biggest All-Star haul in franchise history. Yet, it might be even bigger. Bryce Harper has been announced as one of five possible selections for the NL's "Final Vote" along with Chipper Jones, Michael Bourn, David Freese and Aaron Hill. Fans will be able to vote online on MLB's official site.

The All-Star Game will take place July 10 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.


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