Darvish unlikely to pitch in All-Star Game because of pitching schedule

ARLINGTON, Texas —

Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish says he would likely opt for sightseeing over pitching if he's selected to the AL All-Star team for the third consecutive season.

Darvish is scheduled to make three more starts before the break, including one that would come two days before the July 15 All-Star game in Minnesota.

The Japanese pitcher shook his head "No" several times Thursday when asked if he'd be willing to pitch an inning in the All-Star Game if he stays on that schedule. He then said through his translator that he'd go sightseeing while in Minnesota if on the AL squad.

All-Star pitchers who start on the Sunday before the showcase game can be replaced on the roster by a fresh arm.

Darvish is 7-4 with a 2.62 ERA in 14 starts this season. He has 118 strikeouts in 96 1/3 innings.

The right-hander didn't pitch in the 2012 All-Star Game and was replaced on the AL roster last year because of injury.