Ramirez Replaces Williams

Bernie Williams of the New York Yankees, sidelined because of a strained right knee, will not play in next week’s All-Star game in Denver and was replaced on the AL roster by Cleveland’s Manny Ramirez.

Williams was one of five Yankees selected as reserves this week after baseball’s top team failed to have a starter voted in by fans. The center fielder hopes to make a minor league rehab start this weekend and is expected to rejoin the Yankees after the All-Star break.

Ramirez will be one of six Indians on the AL team, managed by Cleveland’s Mike Hargrove. The right fielder, who’ll be making his second All-Star appearance, entered Friday night’s game batting .300 with 16 homers and 64 runs batted in.

On Thursday, Baltimore first baseman Rafael Palmeiro was named as a replacement for Boston’s Mo Vaughn, who strained a hamstring this week.

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Kansas City third baseman Dean Palmer, who was hit in the elbow by a pitch on Thursday night, won’t miss the All-Star game after all.

After Palmer has hit by St. Louis’ Juan Acevedo, the Royals said he would miss Tuesday’s game in Denver. But on Friday, the team said Palmer will go to the All-Star game.