All-Star Roster News

Amidst Cliff Lee trade rumors, Johan Santana's shut out of the Reds and first career home run, and A-Rod's two home run, five RBI game tonight...

• Hey Los Angeles, you have another All-Star. All-Star Manager Joe Girardi announced today that Angels' pitcher Jered Weaver would be taking the roster spot of Yankees' pitcher CC Sabathia. Due to baseball's new All-Star Game rules, any pitcher who pitches on Sunday before the game is ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game. Since Sabathia is slated to start this Sunday against the Mariners, he is not allowed to pitch in the game meaning Weaver, who will take his spot, is eligible to pitch. Weaver is 8-2 with a 2.82 ERA this season with a WHIP of 1.06. He joins Angels' outfielder Torii Hunter and manager Mike Scioscia as the only three Angel representatives. The All-Star Game is being played at the Angels' home park in Anaheim.

• Mariano Rivera will not be going to the All-Star Game. According to a team release, the game's best closer took himself off of the roster and will miss the game to rest his left side and right knee, which have been ailing him for some time.

  "I've been pitching hurt," Rivera said. "I know they are going to use me. I'd prefer to take those days off before the second half."

  Rivera said that he has been battling the same tightness in his left oblique that forced him to miss nine games in May, as well as a newer injury to his right knee, which has been inflamed since he injured it while shagging fly balls during the Yankees' June 25-27 series at Dodger Stadium.

  The right knee inflammation is more of a concern at this point for Rivera because it is his pushoff leg.

  "I always saw [Hideki] Matsui with the knee, and I never experienced something until now," Rivera said. "I understand now how it is. Definitely, I have to take care of it."

  Rivera was a player vote selection to the pitching staff, his 11th time on an All-Star roster, so he will be replaced by the next-highest-rating player in that balloting.

  "It's hard -- it's a decision that I have to make for myself and the sake of the team," Rivera said. "It's a great honor, but I have to be wise."

  Mo isn't a young guy anymore. He's 40 now, and he needs to stay healthy in order for the Yankees to be successful. Mo's health is very critical to the Yanks, and if it means missing the All-Star Game then so be it. Girardi should be announcing a replacement soon.
  

• Kevin Youkilis, the current leader of the Final Vote to see who gets the last roster spot on the American League's All-Star Team, left tonight's Red Sox vs Rays game tonight with a right ankle injury. He says he should be ready to play in Wednesday's season finale. Nick Swisher is currently following close in second place in the voting. Hopefully Youk doesn't go on the DL or his All-Star chances are done, meaning Swish, if the votes keep going up, would make the team. Don't get me wrong, I want Swisher on the team over Youk (I love Swish!) but I want it to be a fair competition. Remember, SEND SWISH! Vote here!
  

• If you didn't hear already, Yankees' second baseman Robinson Cano is in the Home Run Derby.