Soriano will not play in All-Star Game

Jul 10, 2008 - 1:12 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano will not be able to play in the All-Star Game, despite being voted to the National League's starting lineup, Cubs manager Lou Piniella announced Wednesday.

Soriano, who has been sidelined since being hit by a pitch on his left hand on June 11, will attend the festivities but will not be ready to return to the Cubs' lineup until shortly after the break.

"He hit in St. Louis (on Saturday) and had some discomfort, and also his hand felt weak," Piniella said. "He's backed off. He'll probably be ready, I would think, the second series after the break."

A seven-time All-Star, Soriano batted .283 with 15 home runs and 40 RBI in 51 games this season before sustaining the injury.