Schwarber makes National League All-Star team

Middletown High School graduate honored one day after he goes on injured list

Middletown’s Kyle Schwarber is an All-Star for the first time, though an injury will prevent him from playing in the 91st Midsummer Classic on July 13 at Coors Field in Denver.

The reserves for the All-Star Game were announced Sunday night. Schwarber was one of 13 reserves named to the National League team. The honor comes in his seventh season in the big leagues and first season with the Washington Nationals.

Schwarber went on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a right hamstring strain. He’s expected to miss an extended amount of time, manager Dave Martinez said. He still plans to attend the All-Star Game.

“I’d like to go and still experience everything,” Schwarber told reporters Sunday. “You only get one first. I want to experience it and just make the most of it. It sucks that I won’t be able to play, but it is what it is. I’m still very excited to be a part of it.”

» RELATED: Schwarber makes baseball history in June

Schwarber ranks third in the league with 25 home runs and tied for sixth with 53 RBIs. He led baseball with 16 home runs and 30 RBIs in June and was named National League Player of the Month.

When Schwarber received the news that he had made the team, he let his wife and his family know first, and everyone kept it under wraps until it was officially announced Sunday.

“It’s an exciting moment whenever you do get told,” Schwarber said. “You want to let your family know because they’re the ones who have helped you along the way. It’s not a one-man job.”

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