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ESPN Staff Writer- Scott Powers is the Blackhawks beat reporter for ESPNChicago.com. He is an award-winning journalist and has been reporting on preps, colleges and pros for publications throughout the Midwest since 1997.
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ESPN Staff Writer- Mark Saxon covers the St. Louis Cardinals for ESPN.com. He served as the Dodgers team reporter for ESPNLosAngeles.com. through the 2015 season. He spent six years at the Orange County Register, and began his career at the Oakland Tribune, where he started an 11-year journey covering Major League Baseball. He has also covered colleges, including USC football and UCLA basketball.
Los Angeles Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson has been scratched from Tuesday's All-Star Game with a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand and has been replaced by the Chicago White Sox's Jake Peavy.
Wilson, 9-5 with a 2.43 ERA, was one of four Angels selected to the game, joining Jered Weaver, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo. Wilson pitched in last season's All-Star Game representing the Texas Rangers and took the loss after allowing a three-run homer to Milwaukee's Prince Fielder in the National League's 5-1 win.
Wilson said he has been battling issues with broken fingernails and blisters all season.
"Last year, I went and obviously didn't do very well. I'd like to pitch well to get back for that, but it's not really worth it," Wilson said.
"This is an issue I've been fighting all year."
Wilson, who signed a five-year, $77.5 million deal to play for his hometown Angels in December, still will attend the game.
Peavy is 7-5 with a 2.85 ERA. He has 26 walks and 108 strikeouts in 120 innings. This will be his third All-Star Game and first with the White Sox.
Peavy joins teammates Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko and Chris Sale as All-Star selections.
"It's awesome," Sale said. "He's getting what he deserves. Having him there is just going to be that much more fun, that much more enjoyable.
"(He brings to us) a lot more than pitching. He's a vocal leader, a leader by example, the fire he brings and the intensity. You can learn from him by just watching he does. The way he goes about his business, the way he competes is awesome to watch."
Peavy was beaten out by Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish for a spot in the All-Star Game in the MLB.com Final Vote on Wednesday.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Wilson is unlikely to miss a start due to the injury. He is scheduled to pitch one of the three games against the Yankees in New York following the break.