Placido Polanco is not in the Phillies' lineup Saturday, but he will play Sunday and will start for the National League in the All-Star Game Tuesday.

Suffering from back pain, Polanco said "my medication is working" and that he would head to Arizona for the All-Star Game.

He felt that it was important, though, to play at least one more game for the Phils before departing.

"It would not look good if I don't play here and then just go and play in the All-Star Game," he said.

Polanco indicated that he would take one or two All-Star Game at-bats, then continue to rest with the idea of returning to full-time action Friday night against the Mets in New York.