Wil Myers’ selection to the All-Star Game carried added significance beyond the fact that it was the first of his career. Lending perspective were the two years that unfolded, sometimes painfully, before the first half of this season. His 2016 emergence continued Tuesday when he was named a reserve first baseman on the National League team.

“I’m just excited that I was able to play half a season completely healthy and get those consistent at-bats in,” said Myers, who likely will be the Padres’ lone representative next Tuesday at Petco Park. “It’s a huge honor, it’s a huge accomplishment for me. I’m very proud of myself for being able to come out here and do that after the injuries I’ve had. It’s a big deal for me, it’s a big deal for my family. ... I’m very excited about it, very excited to represent San Diego.”

Myers’ first-half numbers made him a compelling candidate not only for the Midsummer Classic but also for the NL’s Comeback Player of the Year award. He entered Tuesday with a .282 average, a career-high 19 home runs and 13 steals, another personal best. His 3.2 wins above replacement, as measured by FanGraphs, ranked first among all major league first basemen.

Though only 25, Myers has long been considered one of the game’s brightest young talents. His breakout follows two consecutive seasons in which wrist injuries prevented him from staying on the field. Previously, in 2013, he was the American League Rookie of the Year.


“He’s really battled back from a couple of injuries, so I think that’s huge for him,” said Padres manager Andy Green, who, as a member of the NL All-Star coaching staff, will share a unique experience with Myers. “I think anybody makes their first All-Star Game, it’s incredibly special for them. No matter what the context is, these guys fight their entire lives to be major league All-Stars.”

The fulfillment of Myers’ promise has coincided with the latest disappointing season for the Padres. But as San Diego prepares to host its first All-Star Game since 1992, the first baseman’s stock has only risen.

Besides being named an ambassador for All-Star Week events, Myers is coming off one of the best months in Padres history. In 26 June games, he hit .327 with 10 doubles, 11 home runs, 33 RBIs and five steals. Those numbers resulted in his being named the NL’s Player of the Month.

“The whole organization’s excited for him,” Green said. “He deserves it. I think everybody knows that. He earned it. The month of June he had was better than anybody’s in baseball.


“Athletically, he’s capable of doing a lot of things. He’s kind of just turned his body loose to do what he’s capable of. He’s not trying to confine himself to a smaller stride, he’s been much more aggressive there, and I think the results speak for themselves.”

Myers’ development this year has seen him go from an upright batting stance to one that utilizes more of his lower body. That successful adjustment has signaled his maturation as a hitter while simultaneously enhancing his all-fields power. Whether he can sustain his production moving forward is the next test.

“I’ve only put together one half-season; I know I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Myers said. “But I do know what I’m capable of doing. This half of a season I’ve put up is something I know I’m very capable of doing when I’m healthy. As far as comparing myself to other guys, I don’t want to do any of that. Those guys are great players. (Paul) Goldschmidt’s an incredible player, year in and year out. Same with (Anthony) Rizzo. I’m just happy to be considered with those guys right now. But I do know that if I stay healthy I can put up these types of numbers.

“There have been a lot of guys who have helped me,” Myers added, specifically mentioning the Padres’ coaching staff. “I wouldn’t be here without them.”


While Myers has thoroughly enjoyed his transition to being a full-time first baseman, he is open to serving as the NL team’s designated hitter.

“If I could DH and start, I’d rather DH and start,” he said. “Maybe there’s an opportunity there. If not, I get in the game whenever I do.”

Regardless of when he receives his first at-bat, Myers hopes to be taking big cuts as early as Monday. He has publicly expressed his desire to compete in the Home Run Derby and reiterated his interest Tuesday.

“I know I’m one of the (players) being considered for it,” Myers said. “If I get the opportunity, I’m for sure going to take it. It’s been a dream of mine to be in that. I definitely wouldn’t let that opportunity pass.”


Myers said that if he is selected, his younger brother, Beau, a freshman infielder-outfielder at Appalachian State, will throw to him.

“I think it’ll be a cool story, win or lose,” Myers said. “If I lose, I’ll go down with my brother, and I’m OK with that.”

Upon learning of his All-Star selection Tuesday morning, Myers called his girlfriend, his parents, Beau and two of his closest friends.

“It’s definitely a relief,” Myers said. “I had (said) it’s not that big a deal to me, but I had thought about it in the last couple weeks, so I’m glad it’s over, and I’m glad I was selected. Got to move on and just go out there and play.”


Padres left-hander Drew Pomeranz, a fringe All-Star candidate with a 2.65 ERA in his own breakout season, was not selected to the NL team. Still, the possibility exists that another pitcher or two will be unable to play next Tuesday.

“The opportunity hasn’t presented itself yet, but you never know, he could end up on there,” Green said. “He deserves to be in consideration for this. And hopefully it happens for him. If it doesn’t, I think everybody knows he belongs there.”

The Padres would have at least two All-Stars had they not traded Fernando Rodney to Miami over the weekend. The veteran reliever, who yielded just one earned run in 28 1/3 innings with San Diego, was named to the NL squad.

“I wonder if we can get him a half-and-half cap,” Green said with a smile. “I’m not sure the Marlins would care for that, but it could say ‘Pad-lins.’”


National League starters

C: Buster Posey, Giants

1B: Anthony Rizzo, Cubs

2B: Ben Zobrist, Cubs

3B: Kris Bryant, Cubs

SS: Addison Russell, Cubs

OF: Yoenis Cespedes, Mets

OF: Dexter Fowler, Cubs

OF: Bryce Harper, Nationals

Reserves

C: Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers

C: Wilson Ramos, Nationals

1B: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs

1B: Wil Myers, Padres

2B: Daniel Murphy, Nationals

3B: Nolan Arenado, Rockies

3B: Matt Carpenter, Cardinals

SS: Corey Seager, Dodgers

OF: Adam Duvall, Reds

OF: Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies

OF: Odubel Herrera, Phillies

OF: Marcell Ozuna, Marlins

Pitchers

RHP: Jake Arrieta, Cubs

LHP: Madison Bumgarner, Giants

RHP: Johnny Cueto, Giants

RHP: Jeurys Familia, Mets

RHP: Jose Fernandez, Marlins

RHP: Kenley Jansen, Dodgers

LHP: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

LHP: Jon Lester, Cubs

RHP: Mark Melancon, Pirates

RHP: A.J. Ramos, Marlins

RHP: Fernando Rodney, Marlins

RHP: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals

RHP: Noah Syndergaard, Mets

RHP: Julio Teheran, Braves

Candidates for final vote

1B: Brandon Belt, Giants

OF: Ryan Braun, Brewers

3B: Jake Lamb, D-backs

OF: Starling Marte, Pirates

SS: Trevor Story, Rockies

American League starters

C: Salvador Perez, Royals

1B: Eric Hosmer, Royals

2B: Jose Altuve, Astros

3B: Manny Machado, Orioles

SS: Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox

OF: Mookie Betts, Red Sox

OF: Jackie Bradley Jr., Red Sox

OF: Mike Trout, Angels

DH: David Ortiz, Red Sox

Reserves

C: Stephen Vogt, Athletics

C: Matt Wieters, Orioles

1B: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

2B: Robinson Cano, Mariners

3B: Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays

SS: Francisco Lindor, Indians

SS: Eduardo Nunez, Twins

OF: Carlos Beltran, Yankees

OF: Ian Desmond, Rangers

OF: Mark Trumbo, Orioles

DH: Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays

Pitchers

RHP: Dellin Betances, Yankees

RHP: Brad Brach, Orioles

LHP: Zach Britton, Orioles

RHP: Alex Colome, Rays

RHP: Wade Davis, Royals

RHP: Marco Estrada, Blue Jays

LHP: Cole Hamels, Rangers

RHP: Will Harris, Astros

RHP: Kelvin Herrera, Royals

RHP: Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox

LHP: Andrew Miller, Yankees

RHP: Danny Salazar, Indians

LHP: Chris Sale, White Sox

RHP: Steven Wright, Red Sox

Candidates for final vote