Arraez to sit out All-Star Game with thumb injury

July 15th, 2024

SAN DIEGO -- Padres infielder will not play on Tuesday in the All-Star Game presented by MasterCard, he said on Sunday after San Diego wrapped up its first half with a 6-3 loss to the Braves at Petco Park.

Arraez, who did not play in the first-half finale, has been dealing with a jammed left thumb, which has nagged him since late June. A week ago, he was named an All-Star for a third consecutive season -- with a third different team, no less. He was an All-Star with Minnesota in 2022 and Miami in ’23.

Arraez will travel to Texas and take part in the All-Star festivities alongside his family. But with his thumb still bothering him, he made the decision to sit out the game, saying, “I need the rest.”

Following his three-hit day on Saturday, Arraez enters the break batting .310, as he chases a third consecutive batting title. Padres manager Mike Shildt said it’s unlikely the injury would necessitate a stint on the injured list.

If the Padres were to back-date an IL stint to Saturday, Arraez would need to miss only four more games, because of the All-Star break, plus an off-day on July 22.

“We didn’t think that was necessary,” Shildt said. “We knew the break was coming. We trust the player. … Three ropes yesterday, so he kind of made his case to be available and be active.”