SAN DIEGO -- For the first time since 2007, the Cardinals will have only one representative at the All-Star Game.

Shortstop Paul DeJong became a first-time National League All-Star on Sunday, when pitchers and reserves were announced. He earned his spot through durability at a key position and with his all-around offensive and defensive skills.

• 2019 All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard: July 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX

“It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work,” DeJong said. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to represent this team, this organization. Hopefully, it’s the first of many. I hold myself to a high standard, so I want to make this a regular thing for me.”

DeJong, 25, is batting .260 with 20 doubles, 13 home runs, 36 RBIs, 53 runs scored and an .803 OPS. His range factor of 4.24 is No. 1 among NL shortstops.

“I feel like my defense has improved,” he said. “I’ve scored a lot of runs, hit some doubles, things like that. I try to just play the game right. I’m happy and thankful that people around me and those watching the game have recognized my ability to play the game.”

The runner-up to Cody Bellinger in the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year Award voting, DeJong is in his third big league season. He has missed only one game this season and has started all but two.

“I feel like this is going to be the first of many for Paul, but we’re going to enjoy this one,” Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. “He’s a good player, and it’s well deserved.”

Albert Pujols represented the Cards as an NL reserve when Prince Fielder started at first base in 2007, which was the last time St. Louis had just one All-Star.

Left fielder Marcell Ozuna leads St. Louis with 20 homers, 62 RBIs and a .515 slugging percentage. He had a shot at his third All-Star selection before he suffered broken bones in his right hand diving into first base on a pickoff Friday. Ozuna is on the injured list and will not return until after the All-Star break.

In his first season with the Cardinals, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt saw his streak of six straight All-Star selections end. After Sunday, he has 14 home runs and a .246/.336/.405 slash line.

The 2019 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard will be played on Tuesday, July 9, at Progressive Field in Cleveland. It will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 180 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage in the United States, while ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.