Cincinnati Reds’ Jay Bruce added to NL All-Star team

Bruce is injury replacement for Cubs’ Fowler.

Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce was named to the National League roster for the 87th All-Star Game on Saturday.

Bruce replaces Chicago Cubs outfielder Dexter Fowler, who has been sidelined since June 19 with a hamstring strain. He began a rehabilitation assignment Friday with Chicago’s Single-A team in South Bend, Ind, but decided he needed more time to get ready and not to play in the All-Star Game.

“I don’t want to wish injury on anyone, but getting in is getting in,” Bruce told reporters Saturday before a game in Miami. “I don’t take any all-star appearance for granted. Every time, it’s always new.”

Bruce will be an All-Star for the third time. He ranks third in the National League with 62 RBIs and has 18 home runs. He and left fielder Adam Duvall, a first-time all-star who is also participating in the Home Run Derby on Monday, will represent the Reds in the game Tuesday at Petco Park in San Diego.

"I'm going to be really excited to be going with Adam and watching him take it all in," Bruce said. "It's a whirlwind. You've got try to slow it down as much as you can and enjoy it.

This has been a big comeback year for Bruce. He’s hitting .265 after hitting .226 last season and .217 in 2014. He hit 18 home runs two seasons ago and 26 last season. He last made the all-star team in 2011 and 2012.

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