CINCINNATI _ If St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin hasn’t impressed the All-Star selectors enough already, he won’t have any more chances to do so. Franklin, who has 20 saves in 21 opportunities, has pitched three days in a row and manager Tony La Russa said, “The next time you’ll see him will be Tuesday.”

That day will be the start of a three-game series in Milwaukee. The selections for the July 14 All-Star Game in St. Louis will be made on Sunday.

Franklin, whose only blown save came here on May 10, struggled through the ninth inning here on Friday, walking two hitters to fill the bases before fanning Cincinnati’s Brandon Phillips for his 20th save.

In 17 appearances at Great American Ball Park, Franklin has a 4.79 earned run average and has given up four home runs in 20 2/3 innings.

“There’s something about this team and this place. . . it’s tough to get outs,” said Franklln.

La Russa held out the possibility he could use Franklin for an out or two on Sunday, but doubted it. Jason Motte is the most likely closer for the next two days although late-inning situations could dictate otherwise.

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