Jays' Hill to start all-star game, Halladay may join him

Aaron Hill will get the start at second base in Tuesday's all-star game, and there's a good chance he'll be looking at a familiar face on the mound.

Fellow Toronto Blue Jay Roy Halladay has been asked to start for the American League, and the right-hander has accepted, a source told The Canadian Press.

The starting pitchers will be announced Monday at a news conference for the all-star game.

Kansas City hurler Zack Greinke and Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners are the other leading candidates for the AL.

Halladay, a six-time all-star selection, is 10-3 with a 2.85 earned-run average in 17 games this season. He's pitched in three all-star games so far. 

If he does get the start, Halladay would become only the third Blue Jay in franchise history to do so at an all-star game, joining Dave Stieb (1983, '84) and David Wells (2000).

Boston's Pedroia pulls out

What's certain is that Hill will get the start, as Boston's Dustin Pedroia is skipping the event to be with his wife, who is suffering complications with her pregnancy.

American League manager Joe Maddon made the announcement on Sunday.

Hill leads Toronto in home runs (20) and RBIs (60), with both totals good for sixth in the AL.

Tampa Bay Rays first-baseman Carlos Pena will be added to the AL roster because of Pedroia's absence.

"I am disappointed that I will not be able to enjoy the amazing experience with the other all-stars, especially with my Red Sox teammates, but it is important that I put my family first at this time," Pedroia said in a statement.

His wife, Kelli, is seven months pregnant and has been in the hospital since Monday with complications.

Pena leads the AL in home runs with 24. Maddon, who also manages the Rays, added Pena to the squad. The AL will now see all four starting Rays infielders included in the all-star lineup.

The National League also made changes in its lineup, as Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman will replace the injured Los Angeles Dodgers' closer Jonathan Broxton on the team, and Pittsburgh pitcher Zach Duke will replace San Francisco's Matt Cain.