Rangers Slugger Joey Gallo Will Not Participate in Home Run Derby
By Parker White
MLB has some juice in this year's Home Run Derby because of all the young talent, but arguably the top slugger in the game, Texas Rangers' Joey Gallo, will not participate.
Gallo just came off the injured list, so he's decided to forgo competing in because of his recent injury.
Joey Gallo will not participate in HR Derby. MLB, Rangers, Gallo all spoke and there was common feeling to bypass event because of recent injury. Otherwise, according to Jon Daniels, he would have been a top choice
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) July 2, 2019
Gallo missed more than three weeks in June because of a strained oblique, an injury that can further be exacerbated by excessive swinging, so it's understandable why this is his decision.
Joey Gallo will not participate in Home Run Derby https://t.co/cwnH3tLrqJ
— HardballTalk (@HardballTalk) July 2, 2019
Gallo has really improved his overall game this year without sacrificing any power. In 56 games he's slashing .286/.426/.683 with 20 home runs and 46 RBI. But what sets him apart is his massive power, which would have been perfect for entertaining the fans at All-Star weekend.
MLB already has the likes of Christian Yelich, Carlos Santana, Pete Alonso, Josh Bell, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ronald Acuna Jr. confirmed to participate. We'll find out the final two entrants by 10:00 PM tomorrow.
It may not be this year, but we need to see Gallo in the derby next year.