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Longoria won't miss any time for Rays

The Associated Press

Evan Longoria had practiced with the American League team in preparation for tonight's game.

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By TONY FABRIZIO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 14, 2009

Updated: 07/14/2009 10:09 pm

ST. LOUIS - After wrestling with the decision, Rays third baseman Evan Longoria concluded that not playing in Tuesday night's All-Star Game was in the best interest of both of his teams.

He didn't want to risk missing any time with the Rays when they resume play Friday at Kansas City, and he didn't want to do "a disservice" to the American League All-Stars by playing at less than full strength.

Rays manager Joe Maddon, also managing the AL All-Star team, ultimately made the decision to start the Rangers' Michael Young at third base and replace Longoria on the roster with Brandon High graduate Chone Figgins of the Angels.

"Obviously, you don't want to come to an All-Star Game and sit and watch," Longoria said, adding that his chances of being in Tampa Bay's lineup Friday are "good … 95 percent."

Longoria said the tip of his right ring finger became sore a couple of days ago, and he initially didn't want to approach trainers with something so minor. But the soreness worsened, and he became concerned when swollen spots on his arm emerged.

Doctors examined the finger Monday, and they drained it and put Longoria on antibiotics.

"We tried to play it out as long as we possibly could based on information [from the doctors], and it just did not seem to respond as quickly as it could have," Maddon said.

Longoria was one of five Rays to make the AL All-Star team, but he was the only voted in by the fans as a starter. He is batting .285 with 17 home runs and 66 RBIs, which ranks third in the AL.

The 2008 AL Rookie of the Year remained at Busch Stadium for the game and he will be in Los Angeles tonight for ESPN's ESPY awards show.

He is nominated for the Best Breakthrough Athlete award. Maddon is a nominee for Best Coach/Manager, and the Rays winning the 2008 American League pennant is nominated for Best Upset.

The show, hosted by actor Samuel L. Jackson, will air Sunday night at 9 on ESPN.

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