CHICAGO, July 6 (BNA): Chicago White Sox All-Star Louis Robert Jr. and two-time champion Pete Alonso of the New York Mets are scheduled to pitch in a home run baseball derby in Seattle on Monday.
Robert earned the top seed in an eight-player field announced Wednesday, including Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez, 2018 Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez, Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Tampa Bay’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Texas’ Adolis Garcia and Baltimore’s Adley Rochman. Alonso, winner in 2019 and 2021, will try to join Ken Griffey Jr. (1994, 1998 and 1999) as the only three-time champion.
Eighth seed Robert will face Ruchman (11 home runs) in the first round, while Alonso will face seventh seed Rodriguez (13). Third seed Bates (23) meets six seed Guerrero Jr. (13), and fourth seed Garcia (21) faces fifth seed Arzurrena (16).
Seeding was determined by home run totals through Tuesday. The Associated Press (AP) reported that the tiebreaker went to the player with the most blocks since June 15.
“I am sure I will feel very happy during these two days,” said Robert. “It will be very special to me.”
Robert posted on Instagram hours before the official announcement of his participation in the Home Run Derby. The Cuban outfielder was also named to his first All-Star team.
“If he’s happy with it, then I’m happy with it,” manager Pedro Grifoll said. “It’s a great experience. I remember Salvi (Salvador Perez) doing it over there in Kansas City. He was really excited about it, and he had a really good time.”
Robert and compatriots Arosarina and García are participating for the first time. They would attempt to join two-time champion Yoenis Céspedes as the only Cuban to win the Derby.
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