Because Smoltz is out.

Astros ace righthander Roy Oswalt is heading to the All-Star Game to replace Atlanta Braves righthander John Smoltz, who must skip the game because of right shoulder discomfort. Oswalt will join teammate Carlos Lee at the All-Star Game, which will be held next Tuesday at San Francisco's AT&T Park.

This will be Oswalt's third consecutive trip to the All-Star game, and second as a replacement for an injured player.

"It is fantastic," he said via phone. "I just got off the phone with (San Diego Padres All-Star righthander) Jake Peavy and talked to him. I'm going to get to see him down there and see some friends that I've met over the past few years and I'm going to be on the same team with."

I can't imagine a better guy for the job. Oswalt's consistently been one of my favorite Astros. As the mayor put it on Tuesday (I'm paraphrasing), he shows up and does what he's supposed to do. Congratulations, Roy!