CLEVELAND -- Corey Kluber took the mound in the All-Star Game last summer and earned the victory, cementing home-field advantage for the Indians in the World Series. This time around, Cleveland's ace gets to enjoy his second Midsummer Classic as a spectator.
On Friday, Major League Baseball announced that Kluber would not be available to pitch in the All-Star Game on Tuesday in Miami presented by Mastercard (7:30 p.m. ET on FOX). With Kluber pitching Sunday night against the Tigers, the pitcher and the team discussed the situation and decided collectively to have him sit out the annual showcase.
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"There's a couple things that go into it," Kluber said. "No. 1, it's trying to be smart, just because of the fact that I missed so much time. It's trying to be cognizant of that and also probably not ideal to pitch Sunday night and then all of a sudden try to turn around, with a day of rest, and try to get out the best hitters in the National League."
Kluber, who is 7-3 with a 2.85 ERA in 13 starts, missed most of May with a lower-back injury, but has been on a strong roll since returning at the start of June. The way things are situated, Kluber would potentially pitch the opener against the A's on Friday, following the All-Star break. Pitching coach Mickey Callaway said the rotation order for that series was still being discussed.

"We'll see," Callaway said. "We'll see how Kluber feels and if he feels like he needs an extra day, because we've been riding him hard since he came back."
Salazar continuing rehab
Right-hander Danny Salazar (10-day disabled list with a right shoulder injury) completed his second Minor League rehab outing Thursday. In 3 1/3 innings, Salazar allowed three runs (via three homers) with two walks and four strikeouts for Triple-A Columbus. Callaway noted that Salazar is slated to throw a bullpen session Saturday before determining his next step.
"It was really better than last time," Callaway said. "Physically, he felt great. He's still battling mechanics big time. [He's] throwing across his body at times too much, because of the fluctuation in effort level and things like that. He really wasn't getting his changeup and curveball where he wanted to -- the things you'd see when a guy has been out for a while."
Santana due back Saturday
Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti noted Friday that first baseman Carlos Santana is scheduled to be activated from MLB's paternity list before Saturday's game against the Tigers. Over the past three games, Cleveland has carried outfielder Abraham Almonte on the active roster during Santana's absence.