Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is leaning against participating in the upcoming Home Run Derby because of a recent hamstring strain. MLB invited him to the event, but the injury has altered those plans.
Trout suffered the hamstring injury on June 17 while running to first base. He told the Associated Press that the team approached him about the Derby during a recent trip to Sacramento.
"They asked me when we were in Sacramento last weekend, but I probably won't do it," Trout said. He added that the injury changed his outlook after initially thinking it would be a good opportunity given the All-Star Game location.
The Derby is scheduled for July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Trout, who grew up nearby in Millville, New Jersey, has begun a running program but has no firm return timetable.
This season Trout is batting .234 with 17 home runs in 74 games before the injury sidelined him. A new swing-based format without a clock will be used at the Derby this year.
