Dodgers to host All-Stars for first time since 1980

Baseball’s All-Star Game is returning to Dodger Stadium in 2020 for the first time since 1980, thanks in large part to the upgrades made by the team’s ownership in recent years.

Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement from a platform in center field Wednesday with Dodgers alumni Don Newcombe, Tom Lasorda, Manny Mota, Ron Cey, Bill Russell and Reggie Smith looking on. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, injured third baseman Justin Turner and closer Kenley Jansen joined them.

Manfred cited three factors in awarding the 2020 edition to Los Angeles: the city offers a “great place” to showcase the game’s younger talent, Dodger Stadium is iconic as baseball’s third-oldest park, and “it’s time for us to be back here.”

The franchise previously hosted in 1949 at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn; 1959 in the second All-Star Game that year at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum; and 1980. The Dodgers have watched as the All-Star Game went elsewhere in Southern California over the years. Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego played host in 1992 and its replacement, Petco Park, in 2016. Anaheim hosted in 1989 and 2010.

Since 2013, the Dodgers’ 56-year-old stadium has undergone a series of

upgrades.

Yanks most valuable: The Yankees are the most valuable franchise in baseball at an estimated $4 billion, according to Forbes. The Dodgers are second at $3 billion, followed by the Cubs ($2.9 billion), Giants ($2.85 billion) and Red Sox ($2.8 billion).

Tampa Bay is the least valuable team, estimated to be worth $900 million.

Nationals: Catcher Miguel Montero was designated for assignment after going 0 for 11 in four games this season — and just 24 hours after he returned from paternity leave. The Nats would rather have 24-year-old Pedro Severino than the 34-year-old

Montero as their backup to starting catcher Matt Wieters. Also Wednesday, Wieters was reinstated from the 10-day DL, left fielder Adam Eaton went on the DL and Moises Sierra’s contract was selected from Triple-A Syracuse.

Mets: Catcher Travis d’Arnaud went on the disabled list for the fifth consecutive year with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. A decision on surgery, which could be season-ending, or rest as the course of treatment will be made within a few days.

Astros: 1B Yuli Gurriel (left hand surgery) returned to Houston and will work out in preparation for being cleared to return to the lineup Friday.

GETTY IMAGES Pedro Severino is the clear-cut backup catcher for the Washington Nationals now that Miguel Montero has been designated for assignment.