CLEVELAND — Corey Kluber’s stellar first half ended with a sudden stop.

Cleveland’s ace received an injection in his right knee that will force him to miss the All-Star Game. But more importantly, the Indians are hoping it will allow the right-hander to continue leading their rotation after the break – and beyond.

Kluber got the shot in his knee on Friday, a day after the two-time Cy Young Award winner gave up two runs in the eighth inning and was beaten by the New York Yankees. The AL Central-leading Indians said the right-hander will need at least one week to recover, and he’s not expected to make his next start until July 23 against Pittsburgh.

Kluber has been replaced on the AL All-Star roster by Tampa Bay’s Blake Snell.

• Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman won’t pitch in the All-Star Game in order to rest his sore left knee, and Astros pitcher Charlie Morton has been added to the roster.

Yankees Manager Aaron Boone said Chapman is available to pitch in the final three games of the series against Cleveland that ends Sunday.

The addition of Morton gives Houston a major league-leading six players in next week’s game.

It’s the first career selection for the 34-year-old Morton, who is 11-2 with a 2.96 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 19 starts.

ANGELS: Albert Pujols will spend the All-Star break on the disabled list because of left knee inflammation.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Pujols had an injection Friday in his knee. Pujols tied Ken Griffey Jr. on the career home run list with his 630th blast on Thursday.

DODGERS: Chase Utley will retire at the end of this season, capping a 16-year career that included a World Series championship with Philadelphia.

The 39-year-old second baseman was traded to the Dodgers in 2015 but made his name with the Phillies, earning five All-Star berths and winning four Silver Slugger awards. He helped the team to a World Series title in 2008, combining with shortstop Jimmy Rollins as a standout double-play duo.

BREWERS: Outfielder Eric Thames left Milwaukee’s game against the Pittsburgh because of right hamstring tightness.

Thames suffered the injury while playing a ball hit into the right-field corner in the second inning.