By: Brian McNally
Examiner Staff Writer
July 6, 2009

Ryan Zimmerman had no real plans for Major League Baseball’s All-Star break next week. His hometown of Virginia Beach is just a short car ride away, after all.

But while Zimmerman will still catch up with friends and family, that reunion will instead happen at the All-Star game itself in St. Louis

The Nationals’ third baseman was named to a reserve spot on the National League roster for the July 14th All-Star game. It will be the first appearance for the 24-year-old, who earlier this season signed a five-year, $45 million contract extension with the Nats.

“The fans mean everything to this game,” said Zimmerman. “But to get voted in [as a reserve] by the people you play against day-in and day-out – those are the guys you want to have the utmost respect for you.”

Zimmerman has cooled off in recent weeks. But he is still batting .293 with 13 home runs and 47 RBI. He ranks seventh in the National League with 95 hits and earlier in the season produced a 30-game hitting streak.

bmcnally@washingtonexaminer.com