2013 MLB All-Star Game: Pirates’ Pedro Alvarez to compete in Home Run Derby
By Matt Shetler
Sometimes no matter how heinous the crime, justice ends up being served.
That’s the case for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez who was mistakenly left out of the Home Run Derby during All-Star festivities Monday night at Citi Field by New York Mets third baseman David Wright.
Jun 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Well El Toro will get the opportunity to put on a show nonetheless.
Alvarez has been named to replace the Colorado Rockies’ Carlos Gonzalez, who will sit out the event with a sprained finger.
The inclusion of Alvarez makes sense as it was a head scratcher why he was left off the team to begin with considering the fact that his 23 homers tie him for the second most in the National League, right behind Gonzalez (24).
The Derby is an event that is almost made for Alvarez as he will have the opportunity to hit some mammoth shots in his hometown of New York.
Alvarez will compete in his first career Home Run Derby, and will become the fifth player in Pirates history to partake in the event, joining Bobby Bonilla (1990), Barry Bonds (1992), Jason Bay (1995) and Andrew McCutchen (2012).
El Toro is putting together a potential big season as he is one of just three Pirates in history to hit at least 23 home runs prior to the All-Star break, joining Hall of Famers Willie Stargell and Ralph Kiner.
Alvarez is joined in the Derby on the N.L. squad by Wright, Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Rockies outfielder Michael Cuddyer. For the American League, Derby captain Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees has selected Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis, defending Derby Champion Prince Fielder and Oakland Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.
The Home Run Derby is scheduled for Monday July 15th at 8:00 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN.