CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: Dexter Fowler #24 of the Chicago Cubs smiles as he jogs to first base after taking a walk against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field on April 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler withdrew from Tuesday’s All-Star Game over the weekend, according to several reports.
This would have been Fowler’s first All-Star Game, but he has chosen not to play in order to give himself more time to recover from a strained hamstring, according to MLB.com.
The center fielder was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 20 with a right hamstring injury. He was injured while running out a grounder to third in the first inning of the Cubs’ 4-3 home victory over the Pirates on June 18.
Fowler, 30, was sitting at a. 290 before his injury.
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“The word I got back was he didn’t feel anything other than he couldn’t push it,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said regarding Fowler’s decision to not re-aggravate his injury by participating in the All-Star Game.
He began a rehab assignment Friday at Class A South Bend, according to MLB.com. Although Fowler will not play, he will still travel to Petco Park in San Diego and partake in the All-Star Game festivities along with the six other Cubs also named to the National League team: second baseman Ben Zobrist, third baseman Kris Bryant, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, shortstop Addison Russell, right-handed pitcher Jake Arrieta, and left-handed pitcher Jon Lester.
Pirates outfielder Starling Marte and Reds outfielder Jay Bruce have been named to the NL team to replace Fowler and Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.
Fowler received the most votes among National League outfielders: 2,230,877.
The NL starting lineup also includes Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper, Padres designated hitter Wil Myers, Giants catcher Buster Posey, Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna, Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez and Giants right-hander Johnny Cueto.
Meanwhile, the American League starting lineup boasts Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, Angels center fielder Mike Trout, Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts, Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer, Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts, Royals catcher Salvador Perez, Red Sox left fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and White Sox left-hander Chris Sale.
The All-Star Game will begin at 8 pm on Tuesday night and will air on FOX.
PHOTO: CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 29: Dexter Fowler #24 of the Chicago Cubs smiles as he jogs to first base after taking a walk against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field on April 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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