Sonny Gray to return to rotation Tuesday from illness, may not be eligible to pitch in All-Star Game

Sonny Gray's bout of salmonella may sour his first All-Star Game experience.

The Oakland Athletics right-hander, who's a serious candidate to start the Midsummer Classic for the American League, will return to the Athletics' rotation Tuesday against the New York Yankees. He was hospitalized for two days earlier this week with gastroenteritis caused by salmonella.

Although it's good news Gray is avoiding the disabled list and ready to make his first start since June 25 because of the illness, that puts him on track to start next Sunday - thus making him ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game two nights later. Of course, the A's rotation could be shuffled next week due to rainouts or other circumstances.

Gray, who's 9-3 with a 2.09 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 16 starts, would still be able to take part in all the festivities surrounding the marquee event if selected.

All-Stars will be announced Sunday and Monday.