A division rivalry didn't keep the Houston Astros from making life more clear for a pitcher going to Los Angeles for the All-Star Game.
Oakland Athletics right-hander Paul Blackburn made an excursion to the Midsummer Classic on the Astros' endorsed plane after Houston found he intended to fly business.
"They made me feel uncommonly welcomed and pleasant. ... It was fun," Blackburn told Mark Berman of Fox 26. "I was asked regarding whether I expected to fly with them, and I said better trust it. If (Astros and American League All-Star boss) Dusty (Baker) would allow that, then, certainly, clearly.
"It shows inside baseball, it looks like a clique. Everyone respects each other. ... I'm phenomenally quick to their affiliation."
The event is Blackburn's most essential All-Star Game. He's the principal individual from the Athletics at the test.