Dustin will miss All Star game

Excerpts from "Pedroia bows out of All-Star Game by By John Barone, MLB.com:

Red Sox star cites need to tend to family health issue

Reigning American League MVP Dustin Pedroia will not participate in the 2009 All-Star Game on Tuesday night in St. Louis.

Pedroia, who edged out Ian Kinsler of the Rangers in the fan vote for the starting slot at second base in a tight race, withdrew from the event due to a family situation.

Pedroia's wife, Kelli, who is due to deliver the couple's first child -- a boy -- in late August, was taken to an area hospital on Monday after going into labor earlier than expected. She will remain hospitalized for the foreseeable future.

Read more at RedSox.com.