CHICAGO — Kerry Wood expects to sit out the All-Star game because of a blister on his pitching hand.

"We have the opportunity to take six days to let it get better and not deal with it the rest of the year," the Chicago Cubs closer said today. "It's a little bit disappointing."

Wood still plans to attend All-Star festivities at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night. It was unclear whether he'll be replaced on the National League roster because the commissioner's office, as of Saturday night, had yet to be officially notified of Wood's injury.

Wood's blister is on his right index finger, leaving him unavailable Saturday during Chicago's 8-7, 11-inning victory over San Francisco. He pitched on Friday, closing out a 3-1 win over the Giants for his 24th save in 29 opportunities.

"Woody's got a blister and he's not going to pitch at all until after the break," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said after Saturday's game. "We didn't have Wood today at all. He can't pitch Sunday and probably won't be able to pitch in the All-Star game."

Wood made the All-Star team in 2003 as a starter. He said he can throw with his blister, but won't take any chances in New York on Tuesday — especially with Piniella serving as one of the National League coaches.

Seven Cubs made the NL All-Star squad, but it appears only five will be healthy enough to participate.

Chicago outfielder Alfonso Soriano was voted into the starting lineup, but he won't play as he recovers from a small fracture in his hand, an injury he sustained in early June. Soriano will likely come off the disabled list after the break.

Colorado outfielder Matt Holliday replaced Soriano in the NL's starting lineup, and New York Mets third baseman David Wright took Soriano's roster spot.