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Angels Closer Jordan Walden Heading To All-Star Game

NEW YORK (AP) -- Los Angeles Angels closer Jordan Walden will replace Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees at the All-Star game.

Major League Baseball says Walden will join the AL team because Rivera was an elected All-Star, meaning the next-highest ranking reliever not already on the team takes his place.

Rivera has soreness in his right arm and hasn't pitched since July 3, when he
blew a save in the Yankees' 3-2 loss to the Mets.

Walden has 19 saves this season for the Angels. He has struck out 39 in 36 2-3 innings.

MLB announced the switch on Thursday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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