3B Evan Longoria says missing All-Star Game "unfortunate," Rays are "priority one"
Rays 3B Evan Longoria said the decision to sit out the All-Star Game was made in consultation with manager Joe Maddon as a result of doing what was best for the AL All-Star team and for the Rays.
Longoria said it was "unfortunate" he was sidelined by a right ring finger infection, but was confident - putting the odds at "95 percent" - he would be ready when the Rays resume play Friday in Kansas City.
"Obviously, me and Joe went back and forth on what to do,'' Longoria said. "Being here and being with the American League club it would be a disservice to them to go out there and try to play and win a game when I'm not up to full health. Me and Joe talked about it last night and ... I was okay with it. I think we need a good team here. Obviously, priority one is the Rays and being healthy for Friday's game.''
Longoria will leave Wednesday morning for Los Angeles to attend the ESPY awards then rejoin the team for Friday's game in Kansas City, getting to skip Thursday's workout. Longoria said he " shouldn't miss any regular season games" because of the infection and didn't need any further treatment, just time for the antibiotics to work and the cut to heal following Monday's attempt to drain it.
He said his fingertip was sore for two days but he didn't tell the trainers and it progressed from there: "I've got a couple of swollen spots on my arm which kind of alarmed me that something else was going on so I had it checked out and obviously just pump antibiotics in and let the infection go away.''
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I just hope the finger doesnt linger like some of his injuries do.
Posted by: KennyNance | July 16, 2009 at 05:52 PM
No big deal...Mike Young played a great game instead. Plus, Longoria's been in an awful slump.
Carl Crawford came though big-time and I'm glad he got some wel deserved attention. Congrats CC!
Posted by: RJ | July 15, 2009 at 10:16 PM
They couldn't at least let Longo start the game then pull him out after the 1st batter??
Posted by: Beeper | July 14, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Good decision. Not sure how he got the infection, not sure I want to know...anyway this will hopefully get his leg to 100% for the second half.
Posted by: KT | July 14, 2009 at 07:26 PM