Phillies OF Werth, Rangers OF Cruz named All-Star replacements

NEW YORK (AP) — Jayson Werth became the latest Philadelphia Phillies outfielder to make the National League All-Star team today when he replaced injured New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran.

Also, Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz replaced injured Los Angeles Angels center fielder Torii Hunter.

The first-place Phillies have three outfielders on the NL team for Tuesday’s game in St. Louis. Raul Ibanez was elected by fans to start and Shane Victorino won a spot in fan voting for reserves.

It’s the first time since 1995 that a team sent three outfielders to an All-Star game. The Cleveland Indians did it then with Manny Ramirez, Albert Belle and Kenny Lofton.

Werth has homered in four straight games. He’s batting .268 with 20 home runs and 54 RBIs.

Cruz was chosen because he received the next-highest number of votes for outfielders on the American League player ballot.

Cruz entered today batting .262 with 20 homers and 50 RBIs for the Rangers. It’s the fifth-year player’s first All-Star selection, and Cruz is the 27th first-time All-Star for the game.

Hunter has not played since Tuesday because of a strained abductor muscle.