Aaron Judge won’t defend his MLB Home Run Derby title this year, instead claiming that he will be focusing on his health despite being elected into the American League’s starting lineup for Sunday's game.
The Derby champ sustained a left shoulder injury halfway through his rookie season, which may have only been aggravated by his many swings at Marlins Park during the 2017 Home Run Derby.
So this year, according to NJ.com, he's decided to sit the Derby out.
"The main reason why I did it [last year] was for the fans. That's really the only reason why you do it . . . for the fans. Put on a good show."
This year, he is older and wiser and will be on the sidelines focusing on listening to his body.
“I'm kind of sad I'm not doing it, but we've got something pretty special here,” he continued. “I just want to stay healthy going into the second half."
Judge emerged the winner of last year’s event from a field of eight, which included the likes of Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez and new teammate Giancarlo Stanton.
Stanton won the Home Run Derby title in 2016 and is up against four other American Leaguers for the final roster spot on the AL All-Star team this year, CBS Sports reported. Fans will make the decision via the aptly named "Final Vote.", which is open until 4 p.m./ET on July 11.
The Yankees slugger told the New York Post that he also doesn't think he'll be competing in the Derby portion of All-Star events this year.
"I don’t want to,” he said. “I’ve done it plenty of times, take a year off. Take two years off.’’
The 2018 All-Star Game takes place Tuesday, July 17, in Washington D.C.'s Nationals Park. The Home Run Derby is the night before and things officially get started Sunday, July 15 with the Futures Game, CBS Sports reported.
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