Henderson Alvarez will replace Jordan Zimmerman on NL All Star Roster

Jordan Zimmerman left his start last night for the Nationals in the fourth inning against the Phillies with a cramp in his right biceps. He is scheduled for an MRI today, but the results have not been released yet.

They insist that he did not leave because he gave up four runs in 3.1 innings. It is likely that his tender biceps had something to do with this lackluster outing.

At any rate, the Nationals are not going to let their young pitcher participate in Tuesday’s All Star Game. He will still be able to attend, but will not pitch.

Zimmerman was named to the All Star team after posting a 3.03 ERA and 101 strikeouts despite a 6-5 record.

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His replacement will be Marlins youngster Henderson Alvarez. Alvarez is 6-4 with a sparkling 2.63 ERA (it went up a fifth of a run after the Mets beat him to a pulp last night), but only 73 strikeouts.

You don’t need to rack up eye popping strikeout totals to be good. Just ask Addie Joss. Joss had only 920 strikeouts in 260 career starts, but has the lowest WHIP in MLB history.

This is already the fifth replacement named to this year’s All Star teams.

Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was slated to start, but suffered a thumb injury that will cost him most of the rest of the season. Jonathan Lucroy of the Brewers will start in his place, and Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks will take Lucroy’s reserve position.

A.L. reserve OF Alex Gordon of the Royals is also going to miss the game because of an injury. He will be replaced by Angels SS Erick Aybar.

Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager will also replace Blue Jay slugger Edwin Encarnacion on the AL roster.

Tiger DH Victor Martinez will also miss the game. He will be replaced by teammate Ian Kinsler.

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