Cueto cool with not pitching in All-Star Game

MINNEAPOLIS -- Reds ace Johnny Cueto certainly had the numbers to start for the National League in Tuesday's All-Star Game. But because he pitched for his team Sunday against the Pirates, Cueto bowed out and will have to be a spectator instead. Teammate Alfredo Simon took his place.

Cueto had no hard feelings about not being able to pitch.

"It doesn't bother me," Cueto said Monday through translator Tomas Vera. "I pitched yesterday. It was my job. I came here to enjoy it. I came here to have fun. This isn't going to be my first time. I'm going to have a chance to pitch in the All-Star Game again."

Cueto is second in the NL with a 2.13 ERA, first with 143 2/3 innings, a .181 opponents' batting average and a 0.89 WHIP and tied for first with three complete games.

Now Cueto is looking forward to watch other players having strong season take part.

"I want to enjoy this. This is amazing," he said. "I never expected this amount of friends here, this amount of people. One thing I always wanted to watch was the Home Run Derby. I've watched it on TV. Now I'm going to be there in the first row watching the Home Run Derby. I'm going to enjoy that."