THREE MEXICANS PICKED FOR MLB ALL-STAR GAME

Three Mexican players have been selected for Tuesday’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Anaheim but only two will be able to play. Kansas City closer Joakim Soria (pictured)was tabbed to pitch for the American League, while San Diego first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Milwaukee starter Yovani Gallardo were named to the National League squad. Gallardo will suit up for introductions but kept off the mound after straining his left oblique muscle throwing a pitch in St. Louis last weekend.

A Monclova native, Soria entered the weekend with an American League-best 25 saves for the Royals to go with his 2.34 ERA. He has struck out 43 batters and walked only nine in 34 innings pitched.

Gonzalez, the son of a Mexican national who spent years growing up in Tijuana, is making his third All-Star appearance. He’s hitting .301 with 18 homers in 84 games for the Padres.

Gallardo, who was born in Michoacan, is 8-4 with a 2.58 ERA for the Brewers after going 13-12 in 2009.