NEW YORK - Fired up about his first trip to Yankee Stadium, Ben Sheets had it all planned out. Arrive early and visit Monument Park, gaze up at that famous facade, drink in the entire experience the same way any fan would.

One big difference, though: The Milwaukee Brewers ace also will get the ball to start tonight's All-Star Game for the National League.

"I'm not going to let a stadium intimidate me," Sheets (10-3, 2.85 ERA) said yesterday in a hotel ballroom, hours before zipping uptown for batting practice and workouts. "At least while I'm sitting here I won't."

Cleveland's Cliff Lee (12-2, 2.31 ERA) was picked by Boston manager Terry Francona to start for the AL, highlighting a remarkable resurgence for the left-hander after he was demoted to the minors last year.

NL manager Clint Hurdle of Colorado tabbed Sheets, who is 10-3 with a 2.85 ERA. Several other NL all-stars pitched Sunday, making the well-rested Sheets a logical choice.

Nationals' Pena set for shoulder surgery

WASHINGTON - Washington Nationals outfielder Wily Mo Pena will have surgery on his left shoulder. Pena has a small tear in his left rotator cuff and fraying of the labrum in his left shoulder. Pena is hitting .205 with two homers and 10 RBI in 195 at-bats this season.

Damon's hitting session delayed

TAMPA, Fla. - Yankees left fielder Johnny Damon had his first hitting off a tee session pushed back at least a couple days because of soreness in his injured left shoulder.

Damon sprained the shoulder when he ran into the left-field fence while attempting to catch a ball July 4.