Gordon to attend All-Star Game, could avoid DL

MIAMI -- Dee Gordon, one of the fastest players in the game, appears to be a quick healer. Despite dislocating his left thumb on Saturday, the All-Star second baseman may be able to avoid a disabled list stint.

The injury is causing Gordon to not participate in Tuesday's All-Star Game, but the 27-year-old still plans on traveling to Cincinnati on behalf of the organization.

"I'm going so I can represent the Marlins," Gordon said on Sunday after Miami's 8-1 win over Cincinnati at Marlins Park.

Gordon was voted in by the fans as the National League starting second baseman, but the thumb injury will keep him out of action for at least a week.

Video: CIN@MIA: Gordon slides into first, injures thumb

"It could have been much worse," Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. "We're optimistic we're not going to place him on the DL, at the moment."

In Cincinnati, Gordon plans to come out for player introductions. He will rest through the All-Star break, and the club believes he will miss the series at Philadelphia, which starts on Friday. But shortly after that, the speedster could return.

"There is some swelling, but not as bad as it could have been," Hill said. "We're optimistic it won't be a long-term issue for him."

An X-ray taken on Saturday came back negative, and the Marlins are confident there is no ligament damage. No MRI exam is being scheduled.

"He had range of motion and decent strength, given the injury, so no MRI is necessary," Hill said.

Gordon was hurt sliding headfirst into first base in the seventh inning of Saturday's 14-3 win over the Reds. He enters the All-Star break batting .338 with 33 stolen bases and an MLB-leading 122 hits.

Miami had two players voted in as starters -- Gordon and right fielder Giancarlo Stanton. But Stanton broke the hamate bone in his left hand on June 26, and he is out 4-6 weeks. So neither Marlins All-Star will participate.

"It's still a tremendous honor that we've had two Marlins voted in by the fans," Hill said. "That speaks volumes to the abilities of Dee and Giancarlo. Unfortunate for the ballclub, but it doesn't diminish the fact that two Marlins were voted in."

As an organization, the Marlins are pushing for Major League Baseball to consider having an active player from all 30 teams at the game.

"We're a day away from the break and your starting second baseman gets hurt," Hill said. "It would be nice to have all 30 teams represented on the line. We'll see if we can get any legs with it and make it so."

With Gordon out, the Marlins started Miguel Rojas at second base on Sunday against the Reds. After the All-Star break, Martin Prado, their regular third baseman, is a candidate to play second. In that scenario, Casey McGehee can play third.

Prado (right shoulder) is on the DL, but he is expected to be reinstated on Friday.

"With Dee out of the lineup, you want to put your best eight out on the field," Hill said. "If it means Martin at second and Casey at third, they are both tremendous team players and will do what is necessary to help the team."