Chapman, Kluber out; Morton in for AL

Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman won’t pitch in the All-Star Game in order to rest his sore left knee.

Chapman earned his 25th save Thursday against the Indians in his first appearance since Saturday, when he was removed from a game in Toronto after facing one batter because of discomfort in the knee.

Chapman, who has made the All-Star team five times, is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in 40 appearances. He has struck out 67 in 39 innings and held opponents to a .129 average.

Indians: Corey Kluber’s stellar first half ended with a sudden stop. Cleveland’s ace received an injection in his right knee that will force him to miss the AllStar Game. But more important, the Indians are hoping it will allow the righthander to continue leading their rotation after the break — and beyond. Kluber was replaced on the AL AllStar roster by Tampa Bay’s Blake Snell.

Astros: Right-hander Charlie Morton was added to the AL All-Star team, giving the Astros a major league-leading six players in next week’s game. It’s the first career selection for the 34-year-old Morton, who is in his 11th major league season. He’s 11-2 with a 2.96 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 19 starts.

Dodgers: Chase Utley will retire at the end of this season, capping a 16-year career that included a World Series championship with Philadelphia and an elder statesman role with Los Angeles. The six-time All-Star, 39, said he’s leaving to spend more time with his wife and sons.