This story was excerpted from AJ Cassavell¡¯s Padres Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Joe Musgrove is an All-Star, and deservedly so.

He joined Manny Machado on the National League All-Star team, which was announced Sunday, and Musgrove earned every bit of his selection. In 15 starts this year, he has posted a 2.09 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP.

It¡¯s a triumph for sheer hard work. Musgrove posted an ERA north of four in each of his first four seasons in the big leagues. He resolved to get better -- and then he did.

? All-Star Game rosters

¡°I¡¯ve always looked at the big picture -- who I want to see myself be when I¡¯m done and where I¡¯m ultimately going to be and the steps that it takes to get there,¡± Musgrove said. ¡°Just realize that those steps don¡¯t always lead to instant success. Being able to stick it out through the rough times, the bad outings, the bad years, I just know that I¡¯m putting in the work. Eventually, it¡¯s going to start going my way.¡±

Lately, it¡¯s gone Musgrove¡¯s way. So, yeah, he is going to savor his trip to Dodger Stadium next week.

"It's been a long time since I've been an All-Star at any level," Musgrove said. "I think 9 or 10 years old is the last time. I'm really excited.¡±

Hold up ... Joe Musgrove hasn't been an All-Star since he was 9 or 10? He's a Major League pitcher with seven years of experience, a 3.78 career ERA, a no-hitter, a World Series ring and loads of impressive accomplishments at the big league level. He wasn't an All-Star ... somewhere?

"Honestly, I can't remember it," the 29-year-old Musgrove said. "It was before I got into high school ball. ... If you're taking the same group of people and taking the best from those people and letting them all play a game -- in that format, I really don't think I've had that since I was 8, 9 or 10."

It should line up perfectly for Musgrove to pitch, too, as he¡¯s scheduled to start Wednesday in Colorado, giving him five days of rest before what should be one inning of All-Star action.

Ever the consummate teammate, Musgrove quickly turned his attention to a couple other right-handers on the Padres' pitching staff who he feels have been All-Star caliber this season -- closer Taylor Rogers and do-everything bullpen arm Nabil Crismatt.

"If I don't throw, I know somebody else gets in, so I wish I could give up my spot to have one of these guys -- get Rog or Nabil in there," Musgrove said. "I really hope it comes down and they end up getting the opportunity.¡±