Murphy and Scherzer named to Sporting News NL All-Star team

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

October 26, 2016, 9:45am

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Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy and starting pitcher Max Scherzer have been named to the 2016 Sporting News National League All-Star team, which was announced Wednesday.

It was Murphy's first selection, while Scherzer was also honored in 2013 on the American League team.

The 2016 team was chosen by a panel of 27 National League executives before the postseason began.

Murphy made a huge splash for the Nationals in 2016, setting career highs in batting average (.347), hits (184), homers (25) and RBIs (104). He also hit .438 with three runs and six RBIs in the postseason.

Colorado's DJ LeMahieu, who barely beat out Murphy for the batting crown, also received votes at second base.

Scherzer posted the second 20-win season of his career, finishing 20-7 with a 2.96 ERA and 284 strikeouts.

Others receiving votes for NL All-Star starting pitcher included Jose Fernandez, Noah Syndergaard, Madison Bumgarner, Kyle Hendricks, Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Johnny Cueto and Clayton Kershaw.

Other Nationals players receiving votes were catcher Wilson Ramos and outfielder Bryce Harper.

Eight of the 10 players were Sporting News All-Stars for the first time, including Murphy.

Earlier this week, Miami's Fernandez (70 votes) was posthumously honored as the Sporting News National League Comeback Player of the Year. Nationals right-hander Tanner Roark finished second (27) and Ramos fourth (14).

The Dodgers' Corey Seager (143 votes) was awarded Sporting News National League Rookie of the Year honors. Nationals center fielder Trea Turner finished second (15).