"With the best record in the majors and five players at the All-Star Game, it seems only logical that a Phillie should start in the game. However, with elected starter Placido Polanco out because of an injury, National League manager Bruce Bochy had one guy he could turn to.

With that, Bochy named Roy Halladay as his starting pitcher for Tuesday night's midsummer classic.

"I couldn't have a better guy to start the All-Star Game for us," Bochy said. "You talk about the elite pitchers in the game and you look at his numbers this year, and it's obvious he's very deserving.

"When you talk about the best, this guy is always at the top. It's been like this the last few years. So I'm really looking forward to seeing him start the game, and I'm excited that I could name him the starter."

Halladay last started in the All-Star Game in 2009 where he went two innings for the American League, surrendering four hits and three runs in the AL's 4-3 victory. He pitched two-thirds for the National League in last season's game where he gave up two hits and had a strikeout in the NL's first victory since 1996.

"It's a tremendous honor for me and I don't envy the people who have to make these decisions," Halladay said. "There are a lot of worthy people to be here.""