PITTSBURGH -- Felipe Vázquez got a belated birthday gift when MLB announced Saturday that he was named to the National League All-Star Team.

The closer, who turned 28 on Friday, replaced D-backs pitcher Zack Greinke, who is dealing with a “personal situation" on the NL roster. The honor for Vazquez marks his second consecutive selection for the All-Star Game.

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“I was hoping [for the news] Friday, but it didn’t happen,” Vazquez said. “So I guess my birthday present is a little late, but I’ll take it.”

Vazquez has converted 19 of 20 save opportunities on the year en route to posting a 2.19 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 37 innings. His 14.31 K/9 ratio is the fourth highest in the NL.

“Just to be in that spot, to be one of the next ones [chosen] if somebody’s unable to perform, I think it’s a good fit,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “I think it’s well deserved.”

Vazquez said earlier in the week that he planned to keep his All-Star break plans open through Sunday. His potential itinerary, should the have had the break off, included a trip to Seven Springs Mountain Resort in southern Pennsylvania, but he and his party of seven -- four children, three adults -- are glad to pass that up to spend the week in Cleveland.

“It will be a little noisy in the car, but it’s OK,” he said.

Vazquez won’t be the lone Pirates player participating in the All-Star Game as he was last year, given Josh Bell’s meteoric rise at the plate that’s led to a starting spot and a Home Run Derby invitation. The closer said he’d be happy to hand out a Gatorade to his teammate in the Derby but, mostly, he’s just excited to be able to relax with Bell and other stars from across the league after learning the ropes last season.

“I think I’m going to have more fun than I did my first year,” Vazquez said, “because I know what I’m supposed to do now.”