Billy Wagner Declines All Star Invitation

Billy Wagner was offered a spot on this year’s All Star team as an injury replacement for Jason Heyward, but turned it down saying that he needed to rest a sore ankle that has been bothering him.

"“It’s a great honor any time, but I need to be ready to finish this season and get in the playoffs,” Wagner said. “I don’t need to worry about pitching in the All-Star game.”"

Wagner has been better than anyone could have imagined this season. He recently notched his 400th career save and has essentially made the ninth inning little more than a formality when the Braves have the lead. Long time Braves fans remember countless seasons where the ninth inning was an adventure every night.

Still here is 38 year old Billy Wagner nailing down saves at a high level even after he has announced his intentions to retire at the end of the season. Wagner joins Bobby Cox and potentially Chipper Jones as players that will or could hang it up at seasons end. Which makes this season that much more important to send them out on top.