SAN FRANCISCO -- Zack Greinke's reluctance to speak has reached almost comic proportions. After using five words to answer three questions during an interview session with reporters about being named to the National League All-Star team, the D-backs ace was asked if he was at a loss for words.

"Good question," Greinke responded without elaborating further.

• 2019 All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard: July 9 at 4:30 p.m. MST on FOX

Actually, if any player has earned the right to reside in such a bubble of silence, it's Greinke. There's simply no further explanation needed for his excellence.

Greinke, who combines power and deception like few other pitchers, was named to his sixth All-Star team, although the veteran righty won't be able to participate, citing personal reasons. With 196 career victories, Greinke might someday receive a chance to hush himself at Cooperstown, site of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Greinke joined teammate Ketel Marte, who was elected by fans to start at second base in the July 9 All-Star Game at Cleveland. This will be Marte's first Midsummer Classic. He vowed that it won't be his last.

"I don't want this to be one year," Marte said. "I want it to be for the rest of my career."

Greinke, 35, would be worth emulating. He has remained as effective as ever, compiling a 9-3 record with a 2.90 ERA in 18 starts. Opponents are batting .223 off him. He also owns a current scoreless-innings streak of 22 innings in road games.

"It's nice," Greinke said of his All-Star designation. Asked if he felt proud, Greinke replied, "Yes."