Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes has dropped out of next week’s All-Star Game to attend to as yet unspecified family matter.
Paredes was added to the roster on Wednesday after Cleveland’s José Ramírez opted out to rest a nagging Achilles tendon injury.
Paredes was in the Astros’ lineup at designated hitter Sunday for the finale of a series against the Texas Rangers and manager Joe Espada said he wouldn’t miss any time after the break because of the issue.
‘Oh yeah, he’ll be back,’ Espada said. ‘He just needs to go and spend some time and take care of some family matters, but… he’s fine.’
It was the second straight season Paredes had been named an All-Star, and the Astros posted an emotional video of the moment he found out in the clubhouse earlier in the week.
Speaking to his teammates, he said: ‘Thanks to everyone for the support. I think when I got here, I was a little timid.
Isaac Paredes runs to first base after hitting a single against the Texas Rangers on Friday
Hunter Brown, Jeremy Pena, Paredes and Josh Hader pose with their All-Star jerseys
‘I knew I was coming to a winning organization and well, ever since I got here at Spring Training, they welcomed me like family.
‘I’m grateful to the whole team and the entire staff.’
In response, his manager told him: ‘We love you man. You’re a great player but you’re a great human.’
The 26-year-old is in his first season with the Astros after a trade from the Cubs. He entered Sunday hitting .254 with 19 homers and 49 RBIs.
