NEW YORK (AP) — Marcus Semien of the host Texas Rangers will replace Houston's Jose Altuve as the American League's starting second baseman for the All-Star Game on Tuesday night.
Major League Baseball said Thursday that Altuve will rest his left hand, which has been sore since he was hit by a 94.3 mph slider from Minnesota's Josh Winder on July 5.
Minnesota infielder/outfielder Willi Castro will replace Altuve on the AL roster, becoming the 35th first-time All-Star.
Semien will start the All-Star Game for the third straight season. He finished second to Altuve in the final round of fan voting for starting berths and originally made this year's AL All-Star team as a reserve by finishing second to Altuve in voting among players, managers and coaches.
Texas right-hander Kirby Yates is on the AL pitching staff, giving the Rangers multiple All-Stars for the fifth straight season.
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