Chicago Cubs dominate National League starting lineup

The Chicago Cubs had MLB's best record less than a week from the All-Star break, and five of the players who have helped them to a 52-31 mark will be front and centre at the All-Star Game.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo, second baseman Ben Zobrist, shortstop Addison Russell, third baseman Kris Bryant and outfielder Dexter Fowler will start for the National League (NL), voted in by fans, as the NL and American League rosters were unveiled on Tuesday, a week ahead of the game at San Diego's Petco Park.

"I'm happy for our guys — it's great for the organisation," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said ahead of the unveiling (via MLB.com).

"It will elevate their game. It's exciting for everybody. It's exciting for the players, Cubs fans and the city. You have to believe the ratings will be high in Chicago on that particular night. I know I'll be watching."

The closest race for a starting spot was in the NL, where the second base race was decided by 88 votes as Zobrist (3,013,407) edged the Washington Nationals' Daniel Murphy (3,013,319).

On the AL side of the balloting, there was far less suspense at catcher and designated hitter, where reigning World Series MVP Salvador Perez (4,965,838) and the Boston Red Sox's David Ortiz (4,364,746), who has said 2016 will be his final season, ran away with the vote.

"Going to the All-Star Game means a lot to us," Ortiz said. "When the fans pick you, it's because they want to see you play."

Joining Ortiz in the AL starting lineup are his Red Sox team-mates shortstop Xander Bogaerts, outfielders Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts.

A pair of Royals, Perez and first baseman Eric Hosmer were elected, while Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado formed out the infield. It will be the first time that all starting infielders and catcher are 26 or younger.

Angels outfielder Mike Trout earned his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance.

The 2016 AL All-Star Team

DH: David Ortiz, Red Sox; Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays

C: Salvador Perez, Royals; Stephen Vogt, A's; Matt Wieters, Orioles

1B: Eric Hosmer, Royals; Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

2B: Jose Altuve, Astros; Robinson Cano, Mariners

SS: Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox; Francisco Lindor, Indians; Eduardo Nunez, Twins; Ian Desmond, Rangers

3B: Manny Machado, Orioles; Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays

OF: Mike Trout, Angels; Jackie Bradley Jr., Red Sox; Mookie Betts, Red Sox; Mark Trumbo, Orioles; Carlos Beltran, Yankees

SP: Chris Sale, White Sox; Cole Hamels, Rangers; Danny Salazar, Indians; Steven Wright, Red Sox; Marco Estrada, Blue Jays

RP: Dellin Betances, Yankees; Zach Britton, Orioles; Alex Colome, Rays; Wade Davis, Royals (DL); Kelvin Herrera, Royals; Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox; Brad Brach, Orioles; Will Harris, Astros; Andrew Miller, Yankees

The 2016 NL All-Star Team

C: Buster Posey, Giants; Wilson Ramos, Nationals; Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers

1B: Anthony Rizzo, Cubs; Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks; Wil Myers, Padres

2B: Ben Zobrist, Cubs; Daniel Murphy, Nationals

SS: Addison Russell, Cubs; Corey Seager, Dodgers

3B: Kris Bryant, Cubs; Nolan Arenado, Rockies; Matt Carpenter, Cardinals

OF: Bryce Harper, Nationals; Yoenis Cespedes, Mets; Dexter Fowler, Cubs; Adam Duvall, Reds; Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies; Odubel Herrera, Phillies; Marcell Ozuna, Marlins

SP: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (DL); Jake Arrieta, Cubs; Noah Syndergaard, Mets; Stephen Strasburg, Nationals; Madison Bumgarner, Giants; Jose Fernandez, Marlins; Johnny Cueto, Giants; Jon Lester, Cubs; Julio Teheran, Braves

RP: Kenley Jansen, Dodgers; Mark Melancon, Pirates; A.J. Ramos, Marlins; Fernando Rodney, Marlins; Jeurys Familia, Mets