AP’s selections for MLB All-Star Game

Associated Press

new york

Time to pick players for the All-Star Game and make those close calls.

Yankees rookie Aaron Judge and Washington slugger Bryce Harper are among the big names who have undoubtedly secured their spots in Miami on July 11.

Online voting for the starters ended at midnight Thursday, so let’s take a swing at sorting it all out — ignoring fan and player balloting. Simply our choices.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

FIRST BASE — The stunning starter is Toronto switch-hitter Justin Smoak, followed closely by Tampa Bay’s Logan Morrison. Yonder Alonso represents last-place Oakland.

SECOND BASE — Little big man Jose Altuve is a huge reason Houston has been the best team in baseball. His backups are Baltimore’s Jonathan Schoop and Seattle star Robinson Cano.

SHORTSTOP — Carlos Correa makes it an all Astros double-play combination. Andrelton Simmons of the Angels is on the bench.

THIRD BASE — Cleveland up-and-comer Jose Ramirez getting the start over Minnesota bopper Miguel Sano.

CATCHER — Steady backstop Salvador Perez of the Royals receives his fifth straight nod. Young slugger Gary Sanchez from the Yankees gets his first.

OUTFIELD — Leading off, instant power from George Springer of the Astros in center with the towering Judge in right and Chicago first-timer Avisail Garcia shifting to left.

DH — Corey Dickerson of the Rays hits his way to a surprising spot in the lineup.

START. PITCHERS — Chris Sale (Red Sox)claims starting honors. The other lefty is Jason Vargas with the Royals. Dealing from the right side are Houston first-timer Lance McCullers Jr., Minnesota veteran Ervin Santana and Texas ace Yu Darvish.

RELIEVERS — Boston flame-thrower Craig Kimbrel anchors a bullpen that also features Indians lefty Andrew Miller, Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna and Houston setup man Chris Devenski.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

FIRST BASE — So many sluggers to choose from. In the end, Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt gets the starting nod over Cincinnati’s Joey Votto, Chicago’s Anthony Rizzo and resurgent Ryan Zimmerman from Washington.

SECOND BASE — Daniel Murphy is one of six Nationals selected, most of any team. Pirates dynamo Josh Harrison is the backup.

SHORTSTOP — The starter is 2016 Rookie of the Year Corey Seager from the Dodgers. He edges out Reds first-timer Zack Cozart.

THIRD BASE — Another power-packed position overloaded with deserving candidates. Colorado’s Nolan Arenado wins the start, barely beating out Washington’s Anthony Rendon and reigning MVP Kris Bryant from the Cubs.

CATCHER — Giants star Buster Posey is a no-brainer. Cardinals professor Yadier Molina snags second string, a career achievement award at a thin position.

OUTFIELD — Bearded wonder Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies plays center field, flanked by Harper in right and Marcell Ozuna from the hometown Marlins in left. Miami bopper Giancarlo Stanton can start at DH in his home ballpark, with New York’s Jay Bruce, Atlanta’s Ender Inciarte and Los Angeles rookie Cody Bellinger on the bench.

START. PITCHERS — Nationals ace Max Scherzer gets the ball to start. He’s joined by teammate Gio Gonzalez and two other lefties: Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers) and Robbie Ray (Diamondbacks). The right-handers are St. Louis’ Carlos Martinez, Pittsburgh’s Ivan Nova and Arizona’s Zack Greinke.

RELIEVERS — Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen headlines a group that includes Colorado newcomer Greg Holland, Milwaukee strikeout artist Corey Knebel, Padres lefty Brad Hand and Phillies sidearmer Pat Neshek.