Brothers starting in all-star game a rare feat

Atlanta Braves designated hitter William Contreras joined Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras as just the fifth brothers to start together in baseball's all-star game.

Contreras was voted in Sunday as a reserve by fellow players and was selected to start because Philadelphia's Bryce Harper, who was elected by fans, broke his left thumb on June 25.

They are the first brothers in the same all-star Game since Aaron and Bret Boone in 2003.

Other brothers to start are Mort and Walker Cooper in 1942 and '43, Dixie and Harry Walker in 1947, Joe and Dom Dimaggio in 1949 and Roberto and Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1992.

William Contreras is a first-time all-star. The 24-year-old is hitting .273 with 11 homers and 22 RBIS.

Willson Contreras, 30, earned his third all-star trip, all as an elected starter. He is batting .266 with 13 homers and 35 RBIS.

The Atlanta Braves have acquired veteran second baseman Robinson Cano for $1 in a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres.

Cano, 39, hit a combined .149 with one homer and four RBIS in 74 at-bats for the Padres and New York Mets this season. He has batted .333 with three homers and 20 RBIS in 96 at-bats for triple-a El Paso since the Padres released him and re-signed him to a minor league deal last month.

The Braves are without second baseman Ozzie Albies for the next few weeks. Albies fractured his foot last month in an atbat, and Atlanta has been relying on Orlando Arcia as his replacement. Arcia is hitting .252 with three homers and 17 RBIS in 123 at-bats this year. Manager Brian Snitker has said he's been pleased with Arcia, especially his defence.

The Mets owe Cano nearly US$45 million remaining on his original contract signed with Seattle.