McGwire Out of All-Star Game

Ticket holders for Monday’s home run derby and Tuesday’s All-Star game at Atlanta got more bad news: No Mark McGwire power show this year.

The St. Louis Cardinal slugger, sidelined because of knee tendinitis, was replaced on the National League squad Saturday by teammate Edgar Renteria.

The major leagues’ leading home run hitter dazzled fans in last year’s home run derby at Fenway Park, sending 13 balls out in the first round.

McGwire, who lost the contest to Ken Griffey Jr., is not the only star fans won’t see at Turner Field, and the list might get longer before the weekend is out.

Pedro Martinez, who has the lowest earned-run average in the majors at 1.44, is out of the Boston Red Sox rotation because of an injured muscle in his side. The right-hander won’t play Tuesday, but is expected to be in uniform in Atlanta.

Alex Rodriguez, the American League starter at shortstop, took a knee to the jaw from Dodger shortstop Alex Cora in a Friday night loss, leaving the Seattle Mariner star with a concussion. He will also sit out the All-Star game.

Plus, Cal Ripken is on the disabled list because of a back injury and probably won’t play, either.

The Oriole third baseman is eligible to be activated Thursday and would be allowed to play in the game if he wants to and the Orioles permit it.

Cleveland Indian outfielder Manny Ramirez, who was elected to start for the American League, has been on the disabled list since May 30 because of a hamstring injury and won’t play.

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Juan Gonzalez could be headed for the disabled list after sitting out his second consecutive game because of tendinitis in his left ankle.

It was the fourth game Gonzalez sat out last week and seventh in the Detroit Tigers’ last 12. He sat out three games the previous week because of soreness after fouling a ball off his ankle.