Schilling to Skip the All-Star Game

Curt Schilling will not pitch in Tuesday’s All-Star game because of pain in his ankle.

“My priority is always the organization,” Schilling said Friday after Red Sox Manager Terry Francona announced the decision. “There’s always an outside chance something could happen if I pitch that would impact my second half and I’m not willing to take that chance.”

Francona said Schilling (11-4) reached the decision after consulting with the team’s medical staff.

“It’s probably not what the fans want to hear but it’s the right thing to do,” Francona said before Boston’s game against Texas. “I left it completely up to him.”

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Barry Bonds disputed a report that claimed he would participate in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star game because Major League Baseball gave him financial compensation.

The Giant slugger blasted the San Francisco Chronicle’s story, calling it “flat-out wrong and a flat-out lie, period.”

Baseball officials also disputed the report of compensation, saying no players receive money to participate in the contest.

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Kerry Wood, who has been on the 15-day disabled list for almost two months because of a strained right triceps muscle, is set to pitch Sunday against St. Louis in the Cubs’ final game before the All-Star break.

Wood, 3-3 with a 2.82 ERA, threw a short bullpen session before Friday’s game and reported no problems.

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Oakland third baseman Eric Chavez was activated by the Athletics and in the starting lineup for the first time since breaking his right hand on June 1. The A’s also put infielder Esteban German on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained side.

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The Chicago White Sox plan to put designated hitter Frank Thomas on the 15-day disabled list today because of inflammation in his left ankle. The White Sox will recall outfielder Joe Borchard from triple-A Charlotte.

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The Milwaukee Brewers optioned right-hander Wes Obermueller to triple-A Indianapolis and called up infielder Matt Erickson.