Phillies Notes: Polanco won't play in All-Star Game

Based on Placido Polanco's look of disappointment, it likely took a little arm-twisting by the Phillies brass to convince the third baseman not to play in Tuesday's All-Star Game.

But the bottom line is the Phillies are well aware of Polanco's value to the team, and they believe it's more prudent that he rest his ailing back rather than take part in the midsummer classic, which is why manager Charlie Manuel and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told him Saturday they would prefer he not play.

"They decided for me," Polanco said before sitting out his fifth straight game. "They want me to take off and rest my back. I wanted to play, but we decided it would be best for me and the team to take time off and not risk it."

So the two Phillies position players who were voted onto the NL roster will not play because of injuries. Shane Victorino went on the 15-day disabled list Friday, retroactive to July 4. The centerfielder, who made the team on the "Final Vote," has a partially torn ligament in his right thumb and cannot be activated until July 19.

The fans voted Polanco to be the starting third baseman. He and Victorino still plan to travel to Phoenix to take part in the festivities. Polanco is on a dose pack of anti-inflammatory medication for the bulging disk in his back, which he revealed Friday. He said he's feeling better. When asked if he'll be ready to return to the lineup when the Phillies resume the season Friday against the Mets, he said: "Oh yeah."

"The rest will do him good, and we're hoping he'll be ready to go when we get back Friday," said Scott Proefrock, Phillies assistant general manager. "It's foremost that he be ready for us."

Among the five Phillies chosen for the All-Star Game, three will not play. Cole Hamels is barred from pitching because he started Sunday, leaving Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee as the club's only potential participants.

Madson goes on rehab

Closer Ryan Madson, who hasn't pitched since mid-June because of a bruised right hand, will do a rehab stint with Clearwater on Wednesday. Proefrock said it's possible that Madson will be activated from the DL for the weekend series in New York.

Madson threw a bullpen session Saturday.