A.J. Burnett in 17th season makes All-Star team for first time; McCutchen, Cole, Melancon also named to NL Team

A.J. Burnett is an All-Star for the first time in his 17th MLB season. Burnett today was named to NL All-Star team, along with teammates Andrew McCutchen (5th selection), Gerrit Cole (1st selection) and Mark Melancon (2nd selection).

Burnett, 38, is having one of the best seasons of his career, entering tonight’s game with a 7-3 record and 2.05 ERA. Burnett is 3rd in the NL in ERA and 5th in winning percentage.

Cole, 24, is the second youngest Pirates pitcher to be named to the NL All-Star game. The right hander has emerged as a Cy Young candidate and No. 1 Ace in his third season in the Majors. Cole 12-3 on the season with a 2.28 ERA, leads the Majors in wins.

McCutchen, 28, was named to his fifth straight All-Star appearance, the first Pirate to be named to five straight All-Star games since Robert Clemente who was named to eight straight. McCutchen is hitting .297 with 10 home runs and 51 RBIs.

Melancon, 30, will be making second All-Star appearance. Melancon has recorded 25 straight saves and leads the NL with 27 saves, tied for first in Majors.