Mahtook not going to Southern League All-Star Game

Biscuits outfielder Mikie Mahtook has dropped out of next week's Southern League All-Star Game.

Mahtook is out of the lineup for a fourth straight game tonight with lower back pain and, with that much time off, the Tampa Bay Rays want him using the All-Star break for further rest.

"When you are honored with something like that, you want to participate and represent the organization," Mahtook said. "I was honored to be chosen and it's unfortunate that I can't go. Hopefully, I'll have many more (All-Star Games) in my career."

Mahtook hasn't played since the opening game of Monday's doubleheader at Mobile. He crashed into the wall trying to make a catch and had to leave the game. The Southern League All-Star Game is Wednesday in Jacksonville, Fla.

"This is Day 4 with no activity, so he's not going to be able to go," manager Billy Gardner said. "His back is still bugging him."