If this is indeed true, then why not ask out of the game and be replaced by someone who, you know, could actually pitch?

In fact, the Mets prefer that Santana goes unused in Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic. The Phillies’ coaching staff, which is running the NL operation, appears willing to comply with the wishes of its rival.
[...]
“They want me to stay away from the game, I believe, so we’ll see,” Santana said.

So Johan will eat up a roster spot and puts his manager in a tough spot, merely so he gets the glory of being introduced in the pre-game? That’s lame. Just decline the invite and invite Yovanni Gallardo or some other worthy pitcher to take your place, Johan. Having to rely on the manager –the manager of the team your are chasing in real life– is silly. Good thing they expanded the rosters to 33, I guess.

But then again, many things around this game are pretty absurd.