NEW YORK-. Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers will replace the Venezuelan Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros as the American League’s starting second baseman in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
Major League Baseball announced Thursday that Altuve will rest his throwing hand because he has been experiencing pain in it since July 5, when he was hit by a 94.3 mph slider from Minnesota Twins’ Josh Winder.
“We obviously have a very important second half of the season and I want to be really healthy for that,” Altuve said in Houston. “Like I said a couple days ago, I’m proud and thankful to all the Houston Astros fans who voted, not just for me, but for everyone on this team to make this dream possible. It’s a huge deal for us and we’re really thankful.”
“Unfortunately, I got hit in the hand and I’m playing through some issues. So I really wanted to take these days and be ready for the second half.”
Puerto Rican Willi Castro, an outfielder and infielder for Minnesota, will replace Altuve on the American League roster.
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander replaced Houston’s Kyle Tucker, who hasn’t played since June 3 with a bruised right shin. Castro and Santander bring the total of players making their debut in this year’s game to 36.
Altuve said it was a “difficult” decision not to participate. However, he added that he has inflammation and pain in his left hand.
Semien will make the All-Star Game for the third consecutive season. He finished second to Altuve in the final round of fan voting for the starting spot.
He was originally named to this year’s All-Star team as a reserve after finishing behind Altuve in voting by players, managers and coaches.
Texas right-hander Kirby Yates is on the pitching staff. For the fifth straight season, the Rangers will have multiple All-Stars.
Santander brings the total to five Orioles players. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson and catcher Adley Rutschman were voted in by fans; Corbin Burnes was selected as a member of the pitching staff by players, managers and coaches; and infielder Jordan Westburg replaced Boston third baseman Rafael Devers.
Source: AP
