Javy Baez Will Sit out Home Run Derby to Rest Ailing Heel
By Max Scoli
Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez was asked to participate in the 2019 Home Run Derby yet again after failing to get out of the first round in last year's contest.
However, the MLB All-Star has chosen to sit this one out. According to play-by-play announcer Len Kaspers, Baez has been dealing with a heel bruise causing him some discomfort, stating that it has been "still bothering him a bit."
Javy Baez Officially Declines Home Run Derby Repeat to Rest His Heel https://t.co/FFC7wQO6hz pic.twitter.com/D4hLb1pego
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) July 3, 2019
"El Mago" took the safe route by choosing to rest his body rather than put it through any unnecessary strain, and it remains to be seen whether or not this ailment will keep the Silver Slugger out of the 2019 MLB All-Star Game as well.
Javier Báez had been lined up for the All-Star Home Run Derby but pulled out last night to rest his heel. So still some mystery over the final competitor or 2. Looks like a great and young field so far. Announcement tonight.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 3, 2019
The young infielder has certainly earned the right to be invited to the derby, blasting 21 homers thus far this season, good enough to rank ninth in the NL and 14th in across the big leagues.
The full list of contestants has yet to be revealed, but it will be interesting to see what slugger lines up in Baez's stead.