Maddon: Lack of Cubs awkward

Nationals’ Scherzer picked to start for NL

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 in Miami for Tuesday’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, 5½ 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 the our players for what they did last year.”

Scherzer gets the nod

Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Max

Scherzer will get the start for the National League on Tuesday night. 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.”

Homecoming for Murphy

Washington second baseman Daniel Murphy is enjoying a bit of a homecoming in South Florida. While Murphy, 32, is a Jacksonville native, his fatherin-law Steve Ahern is the softball coach at Jupiter High School.

Murphy — who is starting for the NL and batting fifth Tuesday night — said he expects at least 17 family members from the area to make the drive down to Miami for the game.

“They’re very excited,” said Murphy, an All-Star for the third time. “This is something you never expect to come to, so each time you get invited, you appreciate it. The fact that it’s so close to home, not only for my wife, but with me being from Jacksonville, makes it a little more special.”

RON BLUM/AP American League pitcher Chris Sale, of the Boston Red Sox, left, poses with National League pitcher Max Scherzer, of the Washington Nationals after they were named the starters for tonight’s game.