By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

Jason Schmidt helped Dusty Baker and the Giants reach the World Series last year. (Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

CHICAGO -- Dusty Baker named San Francisco Giants pitcher Jason Schmidt as the National League starter for Tuesday's All-Star Game.

St. Louis shortstop Edgar Renteria will lead off for the National League team followed in the lineup by Cardinals center fielder Jim Edmonds and left fielder Albert Pujols. Barry Bonds will bat fourth at designated hitter followed by Atlanta's Gary Sheffield in right, Colorado's Todd Helton at first, St. Louis' Scott Rolen at third, Atlanta's Javy Lopez at catcher and Montreal's Jose Vidro at second.

Schmidt was a sentimental choice. The right-hander helped Baker and the Giants reach the World Series last year. And Schmidt lost his mother earlier this year to cancer.

2003 All-Star Game information >

"This is one of the highlights of my career," said Schmidt, who is 9-4 with a 2.37 ERA.

"Without Jason Schmidt, I wouldn't be sitting here right now as the National League manager," Baker said.

Baker's other tough choice was to decide on the designated hitter for the game, played under American League rules at U.S Cellular Field. Baker selected Bonds, who was voted in as a starting outfielder.

"Out of respect to Barry I wanted to give him first choice," Baker said.

The decision had to be approved both by Major League Baseball -- there was a question as to whether a starting position player could be the DH -- and by Bonds. Baker wanted a bona fide center fielder rather than force starters Bonds, Pujols or Sheffield to play out of position. Edmonds was named as a reserve and will start in center.

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to approval by Major League Baseball or its clubs.