"In 2010, the year he won the Cy Young Award, Felix Hernandez somehow didn't make the All-Star team.

The year after, he has made the All-Star team, but he can't pitch in the game.

Hernandez is one of several aces ineligible by virtue of the MLB rule disqualifying any starters who pitched Sunday. That contingency has knocked out Justin Verlander, CC Sabathia, James Shields, Cole Hamels and Matt Cain, in addition to Hernandez.

But Hernandez isn't going to let that little detail detract him from an enjoyable stint in Phoenix. He'll take part in all the festivities and even suit up for the game and watch from the AL dugout Tuesday.

"It's not going to be strange," he said. "I'm going to enjoy it. It's going to be fun."

Still, Hernandez said he'd rather be pitching.

"If you're here, you want to pitch," he said. "But it's a rule."

Last year, en route to the Cy Young, Hernandez reached the break with a 7-5 record and a 2.88 earned-run average. He pitched brilliantly in the second half, putting up a 1.53 ERA, though the M's lack of run support resulted in a 6-7 record. This year, he is 8-7 with a 3.19 ERA at the break.

Asked if he's happy with his first half, Hernandez said, "Not really. I think it was a decent first half, but I've got to be more consistent. Hopefully, my second half will be better or similar to last year.""