Lack of Cubs shocks Maddon

MIAMI — For a team that’s eight months removed from its first World Series title in over a century, there’s a surprising shortage of Chicago Cubs for tonight’s All-Star Game.

After having seven players selected to the festivities last year, the only Cub chosen this summer wasn’t even on the team in 2016.

Closer Wade Davis, who was acquired in the offseason from Kansas City, will be the lone representative.

It’s the first time in the 88 years of All-Star Games that there won’t be a returning player from the World Series champions. Cubs manager Joe Maddon, however, will be calling the shots for the National League, a perk of winning the previous year’s pennant.

It’s his second appearance as an All-Star manager after guiding the American League in 2009 following Tampa Bay’s run to the World Series.

Maddon, who was presented with his All-Star jersey Sunday at Wrigley Field, said it feels odd not having any members from last year’s champions at one of baseball’s crowning events.

“That was the awkward moment,” said Maddon, whose Cubs are 43-45 at the break, 51⁄2 games behind NL Central-leading Milwaukee.

“To be presented a jersey on our field in front of all our fans and have none of our players out there — it was difficult.

“They know how much I respect and appreciate what they’ve done for us. …

“It’s a little different. I guess it’s really never happened before.

“We get to represent because of the efforts of our players for what they did last year.”

Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner

will get the start for the National League tonight. The Washington Nationals’ ace (10-5, 2.10 ERA) will be making his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance.

When the 32-year-old right-hander toes the rubber, he’ll be just the fifth player in MLB history to start an All-Star Game for both the AL and NL. Scherzer started the 2013 game while with the Detroit Tigers.

“It’s such an incredible accomplishment,” Scherzer said. “When the [All-Star] manager says ‘We’re going to give you the ball, it’s icing on the cake. This is stuff you never forget.”