The Cardinals will send three players to next weekend’s All Star Game in Pittsburgh. Albert Pujols, the National League’s leading vote getter, will make his sixth all-star appearance at first base. The slugging first baseman will be joined by teammates Scott Rolen and Chris Carpenter.

Despite missing some time on the disabled list this year, Pujols leads the NL with 72 RBIs and ranks second in home runs with 27.

Rolen missed the game last year because of shoulder surgery, but returns as a reserve for his sixth time. He is hitting .340, good for fifth in the NL, with 12 homers and 53 RBIs. It was Rolen who filled in so beautifully batting in the No. 3 spot when Pujols was injured. The Mets David Wright was selected to start by fans, but Rolen was selected as a reserve by Astros manager Phil Garner.

Carpenter started in last year’s all-star edition, but won’t be getting the nod this year. Some might argue that Carpenter shouldn’t even be there with only six wins. He was selected to the team by the fans. Carpenter sports a 2.85 ERA and an 88-26 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Like, Pujols, the right hander spent some time on the disabled list hindering some of his stats.

There will also be some Missouri players from other teams in the game. Left handed White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle, a St. Louis native, will make his fourth appearance.

NL leader in home runs, Phillies’ Ryan Howard (Lafayette High in St. Louis) finished second in first base votes behind Pujols.

The Royals will send the mandatory one player. Left handed starter Mark Redman will make his second appearance. Redman has won his last five starts for a team that is dead last in the American League. He is 5-4 with a 5.59 ERA.