Schilling to Get Starting Call

Philadelphia Phillie right-hander Curt Schilling has been selected to start for the National League in the All-Star game, the Associated Press learned Sunday.

A baseball source close to the selection process confirmed that Schilling was chosen by NL Manager Bruce Bochy to start over Arizona’s Randy Johnson.

Bochy, the San Diego Padre manager, would only say he was leaning toward starting Schilling. The official announcement will be made today.

“It would be his first [All-Star game] start, and he started his career with the Boston organization,” Bochy said. “It’s a tough call.”

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New York Yankee prospect Alfonso Soriano hit two homers and drove in five runs as the World team defeated the United States, 7-0, in the All-Star Futures Game, a seven-inning game involving minor league prospects at Boston. A celebrity hitting challenge, featuring actors Matt Damon and Kevin Costner, also was held.

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The Red Sox activated third baseman John Valentin from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Chad Fonville to triple-A Pawtucket. . . .The Yankees promoted left-hander Ed Yarnall from triple-A Columbus and sent reliever Todd Erdos back to the minor league club.