Pineda could end up in All-Star Game

OAKLAND, Calif. – Michael Pineda could skip a key series against the Texas Rangers after the All-Star break, depending on what he does during his days off.

It’s still possible the rookie right-hander could be added to the American League squad because Felix Hernandez will pitch Sunday for Seattle and thus be ineligible to participate in Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic in Phoenix.

If Pineda replaces Hernandez and pitches in the All-Star Game, the M’s are considering skipping him in the Texas series and using him instead during an ensuing trip to Toronto.

There is an off-day between the series against the Rangers July 14-17 at Safeco Field, and the one in Toronto July 19-21, which would allow the team to delay Pineda’s second-half debut even further.

• Left-hander Erik Bedard joined the team in Oakland and is to start throwing again soon