Thomas to Sit Out All-Star Game

Chicago White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas will not play Tuesday in the All-Star game, saying he needs time to rest sore rib muscles.

“I have declined the offer to the All-Star team,” Thomas said Friday. “The bottom line is, I’m not 100%. And that’s all I have to say about it.”

Thomas, 29, chosen as an American League reserve, was to make his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance.

Thomas sat out last year’s game because of a stress fracture in his left foot.

White Sox trainer Herm Schneider said Thomas, on the disabled list in mid-June because of a strained oblique muscle, would risk further injury if he played.

“He needs a lot of extra time to get loose,” Schneider said.

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Texas Ranger third baseman Dean Palmer broke his nose when he was struck in the face by a thrown ball during infield practice before Friday’s game against Oakland.