"For the second time in three years, Hunter Pence will be a National League All-Star. This time, he wants in.

The Astros' right fielder was selected by the players to NL manager Bruce Bochy's team as a reserve for the game to be played in Phoenix on July 12. Pence also made the team in 2009, but manager Charlie Manuel never had him take the field.

"It would be very nice to get in the game," Pence said. "Last time I went in '09 and didn't get to play. It's kind of an empty feeling a little bit.

"I've faced all these pitchers, so I'll see what I can do on that stage. It's definitely a different atmosphere and different energy. We'll see. Whatever happens, I'll be ready to play if they want me to play."

And whatever happens, Pence considers himself extremely honored, if not a bit disappointed that he is the only Astros All-Star. But Michael Bourn's run may have started too late. (Bourn came into Sunday's announcement fifth among NL outfielders in the all-encompassing value statistic wins above replacement, and he leads the league in stolen bases.)

Pence, who was 17th in the fan voting among National League outfielders, was sixth in player balloting. Although there were only three spots given to player vote winners, because Lance Berkman, Matt Kemp and Ryan Braun had already made it as fan vote winners, Matt Holliday, Beaumont native Jay Bruce and Pence were safely on the team before anything got to Bochy's desk.

"It's a great honor; it's very humbling," Pence said. "It feels good to get in whichever way you can get in, and to have the players vote me in, I'm very grateful.""