{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"Nationals All-Star History","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/nationals-all-stars.png","caption":"

With the 2018 MLB All-Star Game headed to Washington, D.C., we are taking a look at all the Nationals players to be named to an All-Star Game since baseball returned to the nation's capital in 2005.

"},{"index":3,"title":"2005: P Chad Cordero","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/chad-cordero-mlblog-curlyw.jpg","caption":"

In the Nationals' inaugural season, pitcher Chad Cordero had a breakout year and was selected to the All-Star game. It would be his only appearance in his career.

Though he faced just one batter, he struck out Iván Rodríguez in the bottom of the 8th.

(Photo Credit: Curly W — MLBlogs)

"},{"index":5,"title":"2005: P Livan Hernandez","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/livan-hernandez-nats-getty.jpg","caption":"

Leading the National League in innings pitched, Ivan Hernandez earned his second consecutive All-Star selection in the Nationals' first season.

Entering in the bottom of the fourth inning, he gave up a walk, two hits and two earned runs in an uncharacteristically poor showing.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

"},{"index":7,"title":"2006: LF Alfonso Soriano","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/alfonso-soriano-nats-scott-ableman.jpg","caption":"

Already a four time all-star at this point, Alfonso Soriano was no stranger to the Midsummer Classic. Normally a second basemen, manager Frank Robinson switched him to left field during the 2006 season, where he led the league in outfield assists at the All-Star break.

One of only a few players in MLB history to start the All-Star game at two different positions, he contributed to the NL campaign with a single and stolen base. However, he was thrown out at home after ignoring third base coach Jerry Narron's stop sign on Carlos Beltran's single.

(Photo Credit: Scott Ableman - Flickr)

"},{"index":9,"title":"2007: 1B Dmitri Young","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/dmitri-young-nats-ap.jpg","caption":"

The Nationals' sole representative in the 2007 All-Star game, first basemen Dmitri Young had a sizzling first half of the season.

With the third highest batting average in MLB at .339, he was selected to his second Midsummer Classic and first since 2003.

In the bottom of the ninth with two outs, he singled in his only at-bat and later scored on an Alfonso Soriano home run.

(Photo Credit: Associated Press)

"},{"index":11,"title":"2008: SS Cristian Guzman","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/cristian-guzman-nats-curlyw-mlblogs.jpg","caption":"

His second All-Star game appearance and first since 2001, Cristian Guzman finished the first half of the season batting .313 with 126 hits and 54 runs.

Normally a shortstop, Guzman played third base in the All-Star game. This might have thrown him off a bit, seeing as he went 0-3 and was caught stealing in the ninth inning.

(Photo Credit: Curly W — MLBlogs)

"},{"index":13,"title":"2009: 3B Ryan Zimmerman","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/ryan-zimmerman-nats.jpg","caption":"

On April 20th, 2009, Zimmerman inked a five-year, $45 million contract with the Washington Nationals.

Batting .288 with 58 runs and 52 RBI at the midway point of the season, he proved he was worth that contract when he was selected to his first career All-Star game. He had a negligible effect on the game however, going 0-2 in his only plate appearances.

"},{"index":15,"title":"2010: P Matt Capps","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/matt-capps-getty.jpg","caption":"

Although his time with the Nationals lasted only a season, Matt Capps made the most of his opportunity. He converted his first 16 save chances of the season, and headed into the All-Star break with 23 saves, tied for second in the majors.

His performance in the Midsummer Classic didn't disappoint. In the bottom of the sixth inning with a runner on first and two outs, Capps was called on to get the final out of the inning. Facing Home Run Derby champion David Ortiz for the first time in his career, he struck him out looking with a 2-2 fastball. Thanks to Brian McCann's 3-run double in the top of the seventh, Capps would become the winning pitcher.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

"},{"index":17,"title":"2011: P Tyler Clippard","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/tyler-clippard-nats.jpg","caption":"

One of Nationals fans most beloved players, Tyler Clippard finished the first half of the season with a 1-0 record, 1.75 ERA and allowing only six of 32 inherited runners to score.

The league took notice of his career year, and he was selected to his first All-Star game.

In the top of the fourth, Clippard gave up a single to the only batter he faced, Adrian Beltre. But Jose Bautista was thrown out at home to end the inning. The NL took the lead in the bottom of the frame, and Clippard was awarded the win.

"},{"index":19,"title":"2012: Ian Desmond","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/ian-desmond-nats-usat.jpg","caption":"

The Washington Nationals led the NL East by four games at the All-Star break in 2012 thanks to breakout years from multiple players, Ian Desmond included.

Batting .285 with 17 home runs and 51 RBI, he earned his first selection to the All-Star game.

Unfortunately, Desmond would have to withdraw from the game due to a sore oblique and was replaced by Michael Bourn. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list July 23.

"},{"index":21,"title":"2012: P Gio Gonzalez","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/gio_7-7.png","caption":"

In just his first year with the Nationals, Gio Gonzalez proved he was worth the package of prospects the Nationals sent to Oakland to acquire him.

Gonzalez finished the first half with 12 wins, set a Nationals record with 25 consecutive scoreless innings and boasted a 2.92 ERA with 118 strikeouts. He was a shoo-in for the Midsummer Classic.

When called upon, Gonzalez made the most of his opportunity. Relieving starting pitcher Matt Cain in the bottom of the 3rd inning, he retired all three batters he faced, striking out one.

"},{"index":23,"title":"2012: P Stephen Strasburg","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/stephen-strasburg-nationals.jpg","caption":"

Since his 14 strikeout debut in 2010, more was expected from Stephen Strasburg than any D.C. athlete. With a 2.82 ERA and 128 strikeouts at the midway point of the 2012 season, he selected to his first All-Star game.

Brought in at the bottom of the fourth inning to replace teammate Gio Gonzalez, Strasburg gave up a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning.

"},{"index":25,"title":"2012: RF Bryce Harper","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/bryce-harper-2012asg-ap.jpg","caption":"

One of the most hyped prospects in baseball history, Bryce Harper rode his popularity all the way to the All-Star game. Harper was selected through the final fan vote, making him the youngest position player to be in an All-Star game.

Though already way ahead of his career trajectory, his performance in the All-Star game certainly left something to be desired. He went 0-1 with a strikeout and walk, not to mention a misjudged fly ball that resulted in an error.

(Photo Credit: Associated Press)

"},{"index":27,"title":"2013: RF Bryce Harper","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/bryce-harper-2015asg-espn.png","caption":"

Building off his impressive 2012 campaign, Bryce Harper was batting .264 with 13 home runs, 29 RBI and a .371 on-base percentage headed into the All-Star break. He was selected to his second consecutive All-Star game and first as a starter.

Similar to last year, however, his All-Star game performance was lackluster. He went 0-2 in both plate appearances.

(Photo Credit: ESPN)

"},{"index":29,"title":"2013: P Jordan Zimmermann","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/jordan-zimmermann-nats.jpg","caption":"

Jordan Zimmermann was one of the few bright spots on a pitching staff that failed to replicate 2012's success.

Boasting a 12-4 record, 2.58 ERA and 0.97 WHIP heading into the midway point of the season, he earned his first All-Star appearance.

Due to stiffness in his neck, however, Zimmermann chose to sit out the game.

"},{"index":31,"title":"2014: P Jordan Zimmermann","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/jordan-zimmermann-usat.jpg","caption":"

Building on his breakout 2013 campaign, Zimmermann continued his stellar play the following season with a 3.03 ERA and 101 strikeouts on 113 IP. For the second consecutive season, he was selected to the All-Star game.

Unfortunately, the injury bug followed him from last season as well. Due to a right bicep cramp, he had to sit out his second All-Star game in a row.

"},{"index":33,"title":"2014: P Tyler Clippard","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/tyler-clippard-2015asg-usat.jpg","caption":"

After dabbling as closer the season before, Clippard was re-assigned to the eighth inning in 2014. He had a 6-2 record and 2.03 ERA heading into the All-Star break.

Clippard came in during the bottom of the fifth and performed well in limited action, retiring both players he faced.

"},{"index":35,"title":"2015: RF Bryce Harper","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/bryce-harper-2015asg-usat.jpg","caption":"

Bryce Harper's 2015 MVP season was one of the greatest in the history of the sport. He batted .339 with 26 home runs and 61 RBI heading into the midway point of the season and was selected to the All-Star game for the third time.

Harper couldn't replicate that regular season magic during the All-Star game, as he went 0-3 with two strikeouts.

"},{"index":37,"title":"2015: P Max Scherzer","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/max-scherzer-2015asg-2-usat.jpg","caption":"

Prior to the 2015 season, the Nationals signed Tigers ace Max Scherzer (center) to a seven-year, $210 million dollar contract.

He proved he was worth every dollar of that contract after a stellar first half of the season in which he had a 2.11 ERA and a whopping 150 strikeouts.

Scherzer was selected to the All-Star game for the third consecutive year. However, because he had started the Sunday before the All-Star game, he was unavailable to pitch.

"},{"index":39,"title":"2016: RF Bryce Harper","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/bryce-harper-2016asg-2-usat.jpg","caption":"

Although his numbers paled in comparison to his historic 2015 season, Harper's first half in 2016 proved to be enough for an all-star selection. Batting .256 with 19 home runs and 52 RBI, he was named an NL starter once again.

Harper registered his first hit in an All-Star game during the top of the third inning, when he roped a double into left field off Cole Hamels. He went 1-2 overall in the game.

"},{"index":41,"title":"2016: 2B Daniel Murphy","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/daniel-murphy-2016asg-2-usat.jpg","caption":"

After spending the first eight years of his career with division rival New York Mets, Daniel Murphy signed with the Nationals in 2015 and started contributing immediately. Batting .348 with 17 home runs and 66 RBI, he was nearly voted a starter by the fans, losing to Ben Zobrist by only 88 votes.

In his first All-Star game since 2014, Murphy showed no signs of rust, going 2-3 with two singles.

"},{"index":43,"title":"2016: C Wilson Ramos","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/wilson-ramos-2016asg-2-usat.jpg","caption":"

Wilson Ramos earned his first All-Star selection in 2016, batting .330 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI.

He had a negligible effect on the game however, striking out swinging in his only plate appearance in a 4-2 AL win.

"},{"index":45,"title":"2016: P Max Scherzer","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/max-scherzer-2016asg-usat.jpg","caption":"

"Mad Max" certainly lived up to his nickname during the 2016 season, evident by his 20 strikeout game against the Tigers on May 11th. Heading into the All-Star break, Scherzer had a 10-6 record, 0.96 WHIP and a staggering 164 strikeouts. He was selected as a roster replacement for teammate Stephen Strasburg.

Scherzer pitched the bottom of the sixth retiring all three batters he faced.

"},{"index":47,"title":"2016: P Stephen Strasburg","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/nationals-asg2016-usat.jpg","caption":"

Stephen Strasburg's 2016 first half was one for the ages. The first pitcher since 1912 to start 12-0, he boasted a 2.62 ERA with 132 strikeouts, earning him his second All-Star selection. Unfortunately, Strasburg couldn't pitch due to an upper back strain.

"},{"index":49,"title":"2017: 1B Ryan Zimmerman","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/ryan-zimmerman-2017asg-2-usat.jpg","caption":"

Ryan Zimmerman enjoyed a major offensive turnaround in the 2017 season, batting .330 with 19 home runs and 63 RBI at the All-Star break. He was selected to the All-Star roster as starting first basemen, his first appearance since 2009.

Zimmerman finished the game 0-2, both times hitting into a double play.

"},{"index":51,"title":"2017: 2B Daniel Murphy","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/daniel-murphy-2017asg-usat.jpg","caption":"

Daniel Murphy's first half of 2017 served as confirmation that his breakout 2016 was no fluke. Batting .342 with 14 home runs and 64 RBI, he was voted a starter at second base.

Murphy would go 1-2 in the game with a single off Chris Sale and a popout.

"},{"index":53,"title":"2017: RF Bryce Harper","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/bryce-harper-2017asg-2-usat.jpg","caption":"

Voted a starter for the third consecutive year, Bryce Harper batted .325 with 20 home runs and 65 RBI in the first half of 2017.

His fourth time at the Midsummer Classic, Harper had a strong showing going 1-1 with a single and walk.

"},{"index":55,"title":"2017: P Max Scherzer","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/max-scherzer-2017asg-2-usat.jpg","caption":"

The reigning Cy Young award winner, Max Scherzer followed up 2016 with a strong first half, boasting a 2.10 ERA with 173 strikeouts.

Voted in as the starting pitcher for the NL, Scherzer threw 15 pitches over one scoreless inning, striking out Aaron Judge and George Springer.

"},{"index":57,"title":"2017: P Stephen Strasburg","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/washington/2018/06/26/stephen-strasburg-2017asg-usat.jpg","caption":"

Stephen Strasburg was selected as a reserve to his third All-Star game, posting a 9-3 record, 3.43 ERA with 128 strikeouts. He did not see any action however, in what was a big disappointment for Nationals fans.

"}]}

History of Washington Nationals players at the MLB All-Star Game