BOSTON -- Seven players on the Boston Red Sox have been selected for this year’s All-Star game.

Kevin Youkilis will start at first base and Dustin Pedroia at second.

It’s a first-time selection for each player to the team.

Manny Ramirez will start in the outfield and David Ortiz topped the balloting as the designated hitter. However, Ortiz will not play because of his wrist injury

Catcher Jason Varitek and outfielder J.D. Drew were selected as reserves, and Jonathan Papelbon was selected as a closer.

The other American League starters will be Joe Mauer of the Twins as catcher, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners, and Josh Hamilton of the Rangers were the other outfielders chosen.

AL reserves include Rangers designated hitter Milton Bradley, first baseman Justin Morneau of the Twins, second baseman Ian Kinsler and shortstop Michael Young of the Rangers, third baseman Joe Crede and outfielder Carlos Quentin of the White Sox, and outfielder Grady Sizemore of the Indians.

Manager Terry Francona also chose infielder Carlos Guillen of the Tigers and catcher Dioner Navarro of the Rays to suit up.

The AL pitching staff will feature Roy Halladay of the Blue Jays; Cliff Lee of the Indians; Scott Kazmir of the Rays; Joe Saunders, Francisco Rodriguez and Ervin Santana of the Angels; Mariano Rivera of the Yankees; Justin Duchscherer of the A's; Joe Nathan of the Twins; and Joakim Soria of the Royals.

Starting for the NL: Houston first baseman Lance Berkman, Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley, Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez and Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones, with the Alphonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome of the Chicago Cubs and Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers in the outfield. Geovany Soto of the Cubs will become the first rookie catcher to start for the NL.

The game will be played July 15 at Yankee Stadium.

The AL has not lost an All-Star game since 1996 at Veterans Stadium. Since then, the AL has won 10 and tied one.