Although the rookie from the Atlanta Braves was the starter chosen by the fans for the All-Star game on Tuesday, Jason Heyward will be unable to participate due to a recent injury to his thumb that placed him on the 15-day disabled list.

Since Heyward was selected as a member of the All-Star team by the fans, Charlie Manuel, the NL manager, chose his replacement. His replacement was originally supposed to be a teammate of Heyward’s, Billy Wagner, but the closer for the Braves did not want to take the opportunity and declined the offer. Reportedly, Wagner refused the offer due to a sore ankle.

Manuel went on to choose Hong-Chih Kuo, the reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers to take Heyward’s place on the All-Star team. Kuo has never participated in the All-Star game and he is now the first player born in Taiwan to be chosen to be a member of the All-Star team. A huge recognition for this left-handed player.

This season, in 25 appearances, Kuo is 3-1 at this time with an ERA of 1.03 ERA. He has walked eight and recorded 36 strikeouts in his 26 1/3 innings. Kuo will be able to join three of his teammates on Tuesday for the game – Jonathan Broxton, Andre Ethier and Rafael Furcal.

Although Kuo is Heyward’s replacement, he will not be the replacement on the starting lineup. Outfielder Corey Hart from Milwaukee will take Heyward’s starting lineup position. He takes the position because he was not already a starter yet the highest ranked outfielder on the ballot.

Even though Heyward will not be playing in the 2010 MLB All-Star game in Anaheim, California, on Tuesday, the rookie will be there watching. Be sure to tune in and watch the game on television if you won’t be there and don’t forget to place those bets!

Related News

• MLB Makes Four Changes to the All-Star Game
• Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez to DL
• Orioles’ Millwood to DL While Pie is Activated
• Rollins Back to Phillies Starting Lineup
• Yankees Shuffle Roster Before Tampa Bay Game Thursday