Halladay, Lincecum named all-star starters

Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay will take to the mound as the American League starter for Tuesday's all-star game.

Major League Baseball made the official announcement on Monday in St. Louis.

They also tapped San Francisco Giants star Tim Lincecum to start for the National League.

Halladay, a six-time all-star selection, is 10-3 with a 2.85 earned-run average in 17 games this season. He has pitched in three all-star games so far and becomes only the third Blue Jay in franchise history to do so at an all-star game, joining Dave Stieb (1983, '84) and David Wells (2000).

The game may also give other clubs a chance to see Halladay's game in action as Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said he's listening to offers for arguably the best pitcher in the game.

On Monday, Halladay spoke candidly about his future.

"There's a point in your career where you know you need to take a chance, try it and win," said the 33-year-old. "I've always hoped that's going to be Toronto...

"But I think at this point I'm ready to take a chance on trying to win. Basically, that's what all of this has been about. I would like that chance."

Halladay joins Hill in starting lineup

Halladay's second baseman Aaron Hill will join his teammate in the starting lineup in St. Louis. He got the nod in favour of Boston's Dustin Pedroia, who is skipping the game to be with his wife, who is suffering complications with her pregnancy.

Hill leads Toronto in home runs (20) and RBIs (60), with both totals good for sixth in the AL.