Marcus Semien will replace Jose Altuve as the American League\'s starting second baseman for the All-Star Game on Tuesday night.
Altuve will rest his left hand, which has been sore since he was hit by a 94.3 mph slider from Josh Winder of the Minnesota Twins on July 5.
\"Obviously, we have a very important second half of the season that I really want to be healthy (for),\" Altuve said. \"Like I said two days ago, I\'m proud and thankful with all the Houston Astros fans that voted, not only for me but also everybody on this team to make this dream possible. This is a huge, big deal for us, and we\'re really thankful.
\"Unfortunately, I got hit in the hand and am playing through some stuff. So, I really want to take these days and be ready for the second half.\"
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 He finished second to Altuve in the final round of fan voting for starting berths and originally made this year\'s AL All-Star team as a reserve.
Via Associated Press