Harper, Scherzer to face loaded AL

Rosters set for Washington All-star Game

Mike Trout, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts form a dream outfield for the American League. Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer make up a not-so-gracious welcome committee for the National League.

Power in the center of power. A capital-sized All-star Game.

Baseball unveiled the rosters for its midsummer showcase Sunday, featuring an imposing AL lineup and Harper starting at his home ballpark in Washington on July 17.

The AL has won five All-star Games in a row and 17 of the past 21.

Reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve was one of five All-stars from the World Series champion Houston Astros, matching the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians for most in the majors. The New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves each had four, including rookie Gleyber Torres from the Bronx Bombers and fellow second baseman Ozzie Albies from the surprising Braves.

“It’s fun. You’re playing, but you’re looking around because you’re playing with all those big boys out there,” said Altuve, who made the AL team for the sixth time.

Torres is on the disabled list with a hip injury and unlikely to participate. While he and Albies are just 21 years old, the list of 25 first-time All-stars also includes thirty-something surprises like Boston first baseman Mitch Moreland, Texas Rangers slugger Shinsoo Choo and Atlanta outfielder Nick Markakis.

“It’s something that I didn’t know it would ever be quite possible,” Moreland said. “I’m definitely excited about the opportunity and appreciative of having that opportunity.”

Trout is working on perhaps the best season of his stellar career with the Los Angeles Angels.

Judge has 25 homers and 58 RBIS for the Yankees, and Betts is batting .342 with 22 homers for the major league-leading Red Sox.

Harper was voted a starter for the fourth consecutive year. The slugger, who is eligible for free agency after this season, is batting just .218 for the disappointing Nationals but has 21 homers and 50 RBIS.

He was joined by ace righthander Max Scherzer and reliever Sean Doolittle from the Nationals. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, could get the start in his home ballpark.

“That’d be an unbelievable experience,” he said in an interview on ESPN.