For fear of worsening his strained left oblique, Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (.506 SLG, 16 homers this season) won't be playing in Tuesday's All-Star Game in Kansas City. Instead, Braves outfielder Michael Bourn will replace him on the roster.
On the season, Bourn is hitting .305/.360/.448 with 23 steals, in addition to providing the Braves with Gold Glove defense in center. Bourn was a Final Vote candidate, but St. Louis's David Freese won the balloting. This will be Bourn's second All-Star appearance.
Desmond's absence means that, for now, Starlin Castro is the lone backup to starting shortstop Rafael Furcal of the Cardinals.
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