PITTSBURGH _ Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler has decided not to play in Tuesday's All-Star Game at San Diego.
Fowler, who was voted as one of three outfielders to start in the game, concluded he needed more time before he feels ready to play the outfield.
Fowler has been sidelined since June 19 because of a right hamstring strain and went 0-for-2 with two walks and one strikeout Friday night in his first game on a minor league rehabilitation assignment for Class-A South Bend.
Fowler, one of seven Cubs named to play for the National League, will participate in All-Star Game festivities and will resume his rehab assignment later next week. Fowler's injury originally was believed to be a seven-to-10 day ailment.
This is the first time Fowler has been voted to the All-Star Game. He was batting .290 with a .398 on-base percentage in 64 games for the Cubs.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce replaced Fowler on the NL squad.
