Byron Buxton to represent the Twins in the Home Run Derby
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has been confirmed as the fourth participant in the Home Run Derby. The event will take place next Monday, prior to the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Buxton joins James Wood of the Washington Nationals, Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, and Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners in the competition. Buxton, a Georgia native with 20 home runs this season, was the Twins’ second overall pick in the 2012 draft.
Post by the Minnesota Twins
Buxton, 31 years old, becomes the eighth Twins batter to participate in the derby. Justin Morneau won the event in 2008.
New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso, a two-time winner, and Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber decided not to participate this year.
Alonso, selected as a reserve for the National League for the All-Star Game, expressed his lack of motivation to participate this year, preferring to use the break to recover and help his team in the second half of the season.
Schwarber, with 27 home runs this season and in his third All-Star Game, left open the possibility of participating in the next edition, which will be held in Philadelphia.
