Carlos Gonzalez talks to media on being named All-Star Game starter

DENVER — Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez moved into the starting lineup for the National League in the 2016 MLB All-Star Game today with injuries besetting Yoenis Cespedes and former Rockie Dexter Fowler.

Before this evening’s game with the Phillies, CarGo joked to the media — as seeded by Thomas Harding of MLB.com — that every time he is named an All-Star, he managed to find his way into the starting lineup.

“I find my way up. They know that I don’t like to be on the bench,” he laughed. But he also noted that it’s quite common these days for these kinds of injury replacements to occur. “Every year, it’s always the same,” he says.

“It’s gonna make [the game] more fun,” says Rockies manager Walt Weiss. “I’m really looking forward to seeing him in the Home Run Derby, too. But it will be nice to have a representative in that starting lineup.”

An interesting question arises though with no natural centerfielder left for the Senior Circuit if Gonzalez may be called upon to switch positions for a night.

“I can still play center,” he said with a smile. “I feel like center field is the easiest one cause you can see the ball better. But I don’t think I could do it every day. That’s the hard part.”

Gonzalez says that regardless of outcome, the Midsummer Classic is always worth his while.

“It’s always good to have the opportunity to play with great players,” he says. “Obviously, you’re going to face the best pitchers in the league so it’s gonna be tough. But it’s always fun. I’m always up for the challenge. I think it can only make you better. That’s what we live for, that’s why we work hard every day — to compete.”