Willis Added to NL All-Stars

Dontrelle Willis is a National League All-Star pitcher after all.

The rookie left-hander for the Florida Marlins, left off the National League’s roster when the team was announced earlier this week, was selected Friday as an injury replacement for Dodger right-hander Kevin Brown.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” Willis said before Florida’s game against the Expos. “It’s an honor. I feel like I was picked right off the bat. I can’t really explain how it feels. I’m honored to play with the best in the world. I’ll just try to have fun.”

The move ends a debate over whether Willis was snubbed by Chicago’s Dusty Baker, who will manage the team.

Baker originally left Willis off the squad in favor of Cub right-hander Kerry Wood, who is 9-6 with a 3.19 earned run average.

Willis, 8-1 with a 1.98 ERA, is unbeaten in his last nine starts with an 0.85 ERA. Baker said he left Willis off the team because he had never seen him pitch.

“I’m not at all surprised,” Marlin Manager Jack McKeon said. “I’m happy for the young man. He certainly deserves it. Baseball has made a wise decision, putting on a good young pitcher with lots of charisma.”

Willis has been the Marlins’ ace since being called up from double-A Carolina on May 9.