"Lot of respect for him" - Padres manager Mike Shildt praises Luis Arraez's team-centric approach as slugger opts to sit out of All-Star Game
Luis Arraez is not going to play the All-Star Game. Despite his status as an NL All-Star, the reigning batting champion is going to sit out the weekend. He's been a little banged up with a thumb injury of late, and while he's played through it, Arraez is going to take the chance to rest and try to fully heal.
Manager Mike Shildt said this on the matter:
"He's got the heart of a warrior. He wants to play... and the thing that I'm really impressed with is, he laid out three knocks the day before yesterday, and then it was really bothering him, so we gave him the day off."
The manager then went on to detail what the San Diego Padres star told him:
"He said, 'You know what? I'm all about this team. I've made two All-Star games. I'm going to go to the game, get the experience with my family'. He could take an at-bat, but he said, 'It's more important for me to just rest my thumb and give it a full four or five days... I want my team to be in as good of shape as possible'. Lot of respect for him, what a pro."
Arraez has been key in helping the Padres work towards a playoff berth after his early-season trade. His health will go a long way to determining how successful that playoff push is.
Luis Arraez confirms ASG absence
San Diego Padres star Luis Arraez has confirmed that he will not play in Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game. He's been playing through an injured left thumb, and while regular season games matter, the All-Star Game does not in comparison. He confirmed this to ESPN, saying to reporters yesterday:
"I need the rest."
This thumb injury has plagued him for a full month. Despite his absence from the lineup, he is still planning to visit Arlington and take part in the experience, just not the game itself. This is his third straight All-Star Game nod, all three being with different teams (Minnesota Twins in 2022 and Miami Marlins in 2023).