SAN FRANCISCO -- St. Louis Cardinals third baseman
Scott Rolen pulled out of Tuesday's All Star Game to rest a problematic
right shoulder and was replaced on the National League roster by
Houston's Morgan Ensberg.
"I came to the ballpark with my bags packed for Detroit,"
Rolen said following the Cardinals' 4-3 victory over the San
Francisco Giants on Sunday. "I talked with the medical staff and
they said it was best to rest it for four days."
Rolen, who was elected to the starting lineup by fan voting, was
1-for-10 with an RBI in the three-game series against the Giants.
"We finally persuaded Rolen to take the game off," St. Louis
manager Tony La Russa said. "It gives him a chance to rest his
shoulder."
The Cardinals will still have five representatives in Detroit,
including shortstop David Eckstein and outfielder Jim Edmonds in
the starting lineup. Albert Pujols, who could be the NL's starting
designated hitter, and pitchers Chris Carpenter and
Jason Isringhausen were also selected.
"I see being voted in as an honor and a sign of respect,"
Rolen said. "Me not going hopefully will not be taken as a sign of
disrespect."
Rolen hit .251 with five homers and 25 RBI in 50 games in the
first half. Ensberg is hitting .290 with 24 homers and 65 RBI.
The Astros have four players in the game with Ensberg's
addition. The others are pitchers Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt and
Brad Lidge.