Major League Baseball announced today that Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia will not attend the 2009 All-Star Game. American League All-Star manager Joe Maddon has selected Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Carlos Pe?a as his replacement on the A.L. All-Star roster. This marks Pe?a's first career All-Star selection. The ninth-year Major Leaguer is the 28th first-time All-Star selected to the 2009 Midsummer Classic. Pe?a, a 2008 Rawlings Gold Glove winner, is hitting .230 with an A.L.-high 24 home runs and 58 walks, along with 58 RBI and 61 runs scored. MLB and the Red Sox today issued the following statement from Pedroia: ?After consulting with Tito [Terry Francona], Theo [Epstein], Phyllis Merhige of Major League Baseball and my wife, Kelli, I have decided to withdraw from this year?s All-Star Game in St. Louis. I will instead stay in Boston with my wife as we tend to a serious family health matter. ?This was certainly not an easy decision. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the game of baseball and for the All-Star Game and am incredibly honored that the fans voted me this year?s starting second baseman for the American League. 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. ?I want to thank Major League Baseball as well as Tito and Theo for supporting me in this decision and I would like to thank the fans for their understanding and the continued support they have shown throughout my career.? Said Maddon: ?I fully understand Dustin?s decision as he tends to a family matter. We wish Dustin and his family the very best.?