"Giles, Prior May Miss All-Star Game" (AP)
Impeach Bush 2003
CHICAGO (AP) - Braves second baseman Marcus Giles was out of the lineup
Saturday because of a concussion from colliding with Cubs pitcher Mark Prior,
and both might not play in the All-Star game.
They slammed into each other during Atlanta's 9-5 victory Friday, and Giles
still had a headache Saturday. The Braves were planning to bring Dr. Joe
Chandler of their medical staff to Chicago to examine Giles.
``If I'm not well enough to play in a regular-season game, where it matters,
the All-Star game is just a bonus,'' Giles said.
He was chosen as the starting National League All-Star second baseman in fan
voting.
Prior has a bruised right shoulder and was re-examined Saturday by a Cubs team
doctor. He'll be checked again Sunday, and his status for the All-Star game
Tuesday in Chicago is in doubt.
``We have a few days to decide that. I'm sure he wants to pitch in the All-Star
game, and we want him to pitch, but the most important thing is he is available
for the second half,'' Cubs and NL All-Star manager Dusty Baker said.
The players were injured Friday in the second inning. Prior was running from
first on a grounder hit to Giles, when the two slammed into each other on the
basepath. Prior was called out for interference.
Prior's left knee hit Giles flush in the face. The Cubs pitcher toppled over
Giles, falling on his right shoulder.
Giles was woozy for several minutes after the collision and remembers very
little.
``Everybody says I was up here (in the clubhouse) asking a bunch of questions,
but I don't remember coming up here at all,'' Giles said. ``I remember the
siren of the ambulance, and I remember seeing my wife, and that's about it.''
Giles didn't blame Prior for the run-in.
``I was just trying to do what I normally do,'' he said. ``It wasn't his fault,
it wasn't my fault, either one. I hope he is OK and I'm sure he hopes I'm OK.''
Prior, an All-Star for the first time in just his second season, said he will
abide by whatever Baker decides about the exhibition game.
``I wouldn't be upset. I think that is understandable,'' Prior said. ``My job
is for this team. If he thinks I shouldn't pitch to give me a couple of days
off, that's fine. I would like to throw if I'm available.''
Prior said he still plans to be in uniform for the All-Star game, even if he's
not going to pitch.
``I want to be there and enjoy the experience,'' he said.
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