Mazzilli rests struggling, injured Ponson

BALTIMORE — Nothing has gone right this season for Sidney Ponson, who missed the chance to end his nine-game losing streak against the woeful Kansas City Royals because of a groin injury.

Ponson (3-12) was scheduled to start Saturday against the Royals, who own the worst record in the American League. Scratched in favor of Daniel Cabrera, Ponson won’t pitch again until after the All-Star break.

“I knew he was sore his last start. I just thought the timing was right to give him those extra days off,” manager Lee Mazzilli said Saturday.

Ponson was signed as a free agent in January and assigned the role as ace of the staff, but he’s gone 1-12 since April 20 and leads the majors in losses.

He hasn’t pitched since July 4, and Mazzilli hopes the extended break will prove beneficial to the right-hander.

“For me, it’s kind of like getting a clear head at the beginning of the second half and not worry about something that could be nagging,” the manager said. “Sometimes rest is the best medicine.”