Anthony Rendon undecided on playing in All-Star Game, citing ‘little ailments’

Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon said he is “ecstatic” to be named to his first Major League Baseball All-Star Game, but he has not decided whether he will go to Cleveland and actually participate.

“It’s still not set in stone if I’m going yet,” Rendon said Tuesday. “I’ve got a lot of injuries or little ailments that I’m dealing with right now. It’s a kind of decision where I’m thinking about, I may want to get my body back to 100% over those four days instead of actually dealing with all this (media attention) and actually not getting time to rest.”

Rendon has previously said he would “love to be an All-Star, but without going, if that’s possible.” This might be how he gets his wish.

The 29-year-old said he’s dealt with these minor injuries for “a few weeks now,” though they haven’t caused him to miss any time.

“I’m pretty sure you can go and watch the games — I haven’t been running out balls as much as I usually do in the past,” he said.

Rendon missed 14 games with an elbow contusion earlier this year, but he returned from the injured list May 7 and has played every game since.

Though Rendon received votes for Most Valuable Player at the end of 2014, 2017 and 2018, he had never before been selected to an All-Star Game before this season. Entering Tuesday, he led the Nationals with 19 home runs and 58 RBI while batting .311. His .976 fielding percentage ranked fourth among National League third basemen, and he carried a WAR of 2.8. 

Manager Dave Martinez — who often stumps for Rendon, saying he deserves the recognition of an All-Star appearance — implied he wants Rendon to play in the game July 9 at Progressive Field.

“I have a funny feeling — this is just me speaking, I won’t speak for Anthony — but I think he’ll show up in Cleveland,” Martinez said. “It’s fun. They’re not playing three days in a row. He’s not doing the Home Run Derby. I think he needs to experience it and see what it’s like and go in there and play whatever, three or four innings, whatever he’s gonna do, and go from there.”

Martinez added Rendon’s “ailments” are just “the bumps and bruises” of baseball’s daily grind.

In the NHL last season, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin opted to skip the All-Star Game in order to give his body more time to rest, and he was given a one-game suspension for that decision in line with league policy. But MLB does not punish players for skipping the game.

Rendon referred to the exhibitional nature of the All-Star Game as he explained his priorities.

“What means more?” he asked. “I feel like, to be honest with you, the All-Star Game doesn’t mean anything anymore, right? Do we get home-field advantage or whatever (for the World Series)? That should tell you all in itself right now.

“Yeah, it’s a great honor and I’m very appreciative, but at the same time I play for the Nationals, so I want to be able to be 100% or at least close to that and be putting myself in position every day to actually help my team win.”

In the meantime, Rendon said he will keep playing every day for the Nationals, “unless my leg’s falling off or I can’t bend my elbow to swing.”