"When Cliff Lee was summoned into manager Don Wakamatsu's office before Sunday's game, it might have set some hearts aflutter, considering the trade rumors surrounding the pitcher.

But Lee wasn't worried.

"I am pitching today," he said. "Surely they wouldn't trade me two hours before I pitch."

No, the news Wakamatsu relayed was that Lee had made the American League All-Star team for the second time in his career. Ichiro also made the AL team, voted by the fans as a starting outfielder for the ninth time in his 10 seasons in Seattle. Felix Hernandez, an All-Star last year, was bypassed.

Lee was chosen as one of five starting pitchers in a vote of American League players.

"Wak called me into his office and handed me an envelope and said congratulations," Lee said. "The coaches were in there, and they said congratulations. We shook hands and that was it.

"Anytime you're even mentioned as potentially making an All-Star team, it's an honor," Lee said. "But to make it, especially voted in by the players, it's an honor. When your fellow teammates and opposition vote you in, it's a good feeling. It's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life."

After beating the Tigers on Sunday, Lee now stands 8-3 with a 2.34 earned-run average. He figures to be a strong candidate to be named AL starter, a distinction he had in 2008 at Yankee Stadium.

"Sure, I would love to, but that's not my call," he said. "But just to be there, I am honored and privileged. If they decide to give me another start, that's a cherry on top. But that's up to Joe Girardi.""