Jon Lester won’t pitch in the All-Star Game

Jon Lester is having a fine year, with a 2.45 ERA, 1.166 WHIP, 2.8 bWAR and 11 “wins,” for those who still care about that outdated stat.

For his performance, Lester was named to the National League All-Star team. Then the Cubs flipped around their rotation so he’ll start against the Padres Sunday, which will mean he won’t be available to throw Tuesday in Washington.

Here’s his replacement:

Zack Greinke is headed to Washington for the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard next Tuesday.

The D-backs ace announced in the visiting clubhouse at Coors Field on Thursday that he will be the replacement for Jon Lester on the National League team. The Cubs left-hander was bumped up to start Sunday in San Diego, meaning he will not be available to pitch in the Midsummer Classic.

Players replaced in this fashion are still considered All-Stars and they still travel to the game and are honored in pregame ceremonies, they simply don’t participate in the game.

With Lester starting Sunday, it seems likely he’ll pitch in the second game after the break, Friday, July 20 at Wrigley Field against the Cardinals. The Cubs haven’t yet announced their rotation beyond this Sunday.