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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's beat writers (on Twitter @AJCBraves) reported just a few minutes ago that Braves' outfielder Michael Bourn had been photographed along with the other Braves (Craig Kimbrel, Dan Uggla and Chipper Jones) who'll be representing Atlanta in Kansas City next week for the 2012 MLB All-Star Game and a series of Tweets by the Washington Nationals then revealed the reason for the ATL outfielder being added to the National League roster:
After conferring with team doctors, management and Tony LaRussa, #Nationals SS Ian Desmond (oblique) will unfortunately miss the 2012 ASG.
— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) July 7, 2012
Desmond has reportedly been dealing with the issue since mid-June when Nats' skipper Davey Johnson first spoke to reporters about the oblique soreness. The Nats' shorstop has shown no signs of the injury on the field, but reportedly decided he would be better off resting over the All-Star Break and preparing for the second-half of the 2012 campaign. In the next-to-last game of the "first-half" this afternoon, the Nationals' infielder is 2 for 2 with a HR and a single in what's a 1-1 game through four and a half innings in Nats Park. The 27-year-old shortstop entered play today with a .279/.311/.496 line to go along with a career high 15 (now 16) HR's and 24 doubles in 80 games and 354 plate appearances. The Montreal Expos' '04 3rd Round pick would have made been making his first All-Star appearance, but instead will have to settle for his firs All-Star selection.