NEW YORK (AP) — Jayson Werth’s power push paid off.

Fresh from homering for the fourth straight game, the Philadelphia outfielder was picked for the NL All-Star team Friday as a replacement for injured New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran.

The World Series champion Phillies put three outfielders on the NL roster for Tuesday night’s game in St. Louis. Left fielder Raul Ibanez was elected by fans to start and center fielder Shane Victorino won a spot in Internet voting for reserves.

It’s the first time in 37 years that an NL team sent three outfielders to the All-Star game — Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Al Oliver went for Pittsburgh in 1972.

Overall, this is the 13th time overall that a team had three outfielders in an All-Star game. The 1995 Cleveland Indians were the most recent to do it with Manny Ramirez, Albert Belle and Kenny Lofton.

Werth homered Thursday night as the NL East-leading Phillies beat Cincinnati 9-6. He is batting .268 with 20 home runs and 54 RBIs.

“His stats are definitely up there with the other guys,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, who will guide the NL team, said after the win over the Reds. “He’s been swinging the bat really good lately. He plays a good right field, has a strong arm. He’s a talented kid.”

Werth, Ibanez and Victorino are first-time All-Stars. Phillies second baseman Chase Utley was elected to start and first baseman Ryan Howard was selected as a reserve.

Beltran is on the disabled list because of a bone bruise below his right knee. He’ll be re-examined during the All-Star break, and will have an MRI exam.

Copy the Story Link