Roster shuffle

Big Unit pulls out; Nen, Padilla and Remlinger added

Randy Johnson said he would rather spend the three days with his family and rest up for the second half of the season. AP

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Randy Johnson became the latest ace to back out of the All-Star Game, opting Sunday to prepare for the second half of the season instead of pitching for the National League.

Earlier in the day, San Francisco closer Robb Nen and Philadelphia starter Vicente Padilla were added to the NL team as injury replacements. They will replace Atlanta's Tom Glavine and St. Louis' Matt Morris.

Boston ace Pedro Martinez previously turned down an invitation to play for the AL on Tuesday night at Miller Park because of personal reasons.

Johnson, 12-3 with a 2.47 ERA for Arizona, wants to prepare for his next start Thursday in Los Angeles.

This would have been the Big Unit's ninth All-Star appearance. He started the last two and has four starts altogether, two for each league, with an overall 0.82 ERA.

"It's an honor to be selected," Johnson said after the Diamondbacks' 5-2 loss to San Francisco in Arizona on Sunday night. "But it's in my best interest to rest the next couple of days and be physically and mentally ready."

Although Johnson insisted he wasn't hurt, Arizona manager Bob Brenly said the decision to sit out the game was made jointly with the team's trainers and doctors. Johnson collided with first baseman David Bell in Saturday night's game against San Francisco.

Sosa plans to play in All-Star game ATLANTA -- Sammy Sosa missed his third straight game Sunday because of a family emergency but still plans to play in Tuesday's All-Star game. A Cubs spokesman said Sosa's wife injured her hand in a household accident and was scheduled to have surgery Monday. "He plans to travel up to Milwaukee on Monday night," team spokesman Chuck Wasserstrom said. In 83 games this season, Sosa has 28 home runs and 58 RBIs. He's batting .307.    Sexson to participate in Home Run Derby Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Richie Sexson has accepted an invitation to participate in the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday. Sexson replaces Shawn Green of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who dropped out of the contest because of a sore wrist. "He deserves to be here, there's no doubt about that even though he's been in a little bit of a home run lull the last two weeks," Brewers general manager Dean Taylor said. Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa are the headliners for the Derby. Lance Berkman, Jason Giambi, Torii Hunter, Paul Konerko and Alex Rodriguez will also participate.

Johnson made his decision in a meeting with Brenly, general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. and others just before Sunday night's game. Brenly and Johnson said the busy schedule and long trip to Milwaukee were the main reasons.

"A four-hour flight there, a four-hour flight back, one day's rest, that's a lot," Johnson said. "A year ago I had the luxury of throwing I think the third day (after the break). I want to be ready for the second half, for obvious reasons."

Atlanta setup man Mike Remlinger was picked as Johnson's replacement. It will be his first All-Star appearance.

Nen, who started the day tied for fifth in the league with 23 saves, was also an All-Star in 1998. He joins Barry Bonds and Benito Santiago as the Giants' representatives.

Padilla, acquired in a trade for Curt Schilling two years ago, will be making his first All-Star appearance. He is 10-5 with a 3.05 ERA in 18 starts this season.

Padilla joins shortstop Jimmy Rollins and third baseman Scott Rolen, both elected as starters, on the NL squad for the last-place Phillies. The last time three Phillies were selected for the All-Star team was 1999 with Paul Byrd, Mike Lieberthal and Schilling.

Glavine has been bothered recently by a blister on his index finger on his throwing hand.

Morris has coughed up a big lead his last two starts, allowing 11 runs in 10 2-3 innings, and has struggled physically and mentally in the wake of the death of teammate Darryl Kile on June 22. Morris, after consulting with manager Tony La Russa, decided that he should be on the bench at the game, but would not play.

Morris has been bothered by minor back spasms his last two starts, perhaps caused by a misalignment from a chiropractor.

"It's just better for me for the second half not to pitch," Morris said. "Mental, emotional, physical -- all drained into one. I'll get it better."

La Russa said no pitcher on the All-Star roster who's been experiencing discomfort like Morris would play in the game.

"He's set up perfectly to pitch in the game, but it's more important that he get healthy," La Russa said.

 

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