"Trevor Hoffman's All-Star alternatives were preliminary, conditional and happily scrapped.

He considered taking his family to a water park during baseball's midseason break, or passing the time aboard a houseboat or in a quick trip back to San Diego. But the record-setting reliever was grateful for the opportunity to change his plans and pitch after Dodgers reliever Jonathan Broxton was scratched.

"It's obviously been very special to get here to St. Louis regardless of that road you take," Hoffman said Monday afternoon. "I'm fortunate to be here. I understand a lot of guys have had some great first halves. I'm not taking anything for granted.""