Luis Arráez is suffering from an injury and will not play in the 2024 All-Star Game

Luis Arráez will be absent from the Sideral Duel in Texas / Photo: MLB

Venezuelan infielder Luis Arráez, holder of batting titles in both the American League and the National League, will not participate in the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game this Tuesday because he suffered an injury to the thumb of his left hand and prefers to rest to recover in a short time.

The Yaracuy native, who belongs to the San Diego Padres, has been suffering from the discomfort since late June and believes that it is necessary to complete a period of rest in order to face the final stretch of the elimination round and try to help the Padres advance to the playoffs.

San Diego currently sits third in the Western Conference Division with a 50-49 record. The club is 7.0 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead the league with a 56-41 record.

A new selection

Arráez was chosen for the third consecutive time to participate in the Midsummer Classic, in which he played for the Minnesota Twins in 2022 and the Miami Marlins in 2023.

The Padres first baseman and designated hitter told MLB.com reporter AJ Casavell that he will attend the activities related to the Luminarias Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, United States, but he will not work on the field to avoid worsening his ailment.

“I need to rest,” admitted the 27-year-old slugger, who hit .315 (81-for-257) with nine doubles, one triple, two home runs, 19 RBIs and 28 runs scored in 60 games played in the 2024 season – in which he started with the Marlins and then moved to the Padres – and as of Monday had not been placed on the injured list because he was evaluated daily by San Diego’s medical staff.

Valencia / Joseph Ñambre