Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson has confirmed his participation in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game festivities, despite not yet being selected for the All-Star Game itself.
During a Sunday in-game interview with ESPN, Henderson announced that he will compete in the Home Run Derby, scheduled for the Monday before the All-Star Game.
The All-Star Game will be held on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Henderson is the first player to officially declare his involvement. He is also a finalist for a starting spot in the All-Star Game, with fan voting for the starting lineup beginning on Sunday. Henderson is competing against Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., with the fan vote determining the starter.
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Henderson led in the phase one voting for shortstop, and whether or not he starts, he is expected to make his first All-Star Game appearance. As of Sunday’s game against Texas, Henderson boasted a .290/.388/.612 slash line with 26 home runs and 58 RBI. The Orioles, who topped the American League East standings, also benefited significantly from his performance last season, where he was named AL Rookie of the Year and earned a Silver Slugger award.
Henderson is on track to become only the second shortstop to hit 50 home runs in a season, a list currently featuring only Alex Rodriguez. He is currently trailing only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in home runs within the American League.
The Orioles’ record for most home runs by a shortstop, set by Cal Ripken Jr. with 34 in 1991, stands as a potential milestone for Henderson to surpass.
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Henderson is among several Orioles candidates for All-Star starting spots. Fan voting for position players closes on Wednesday. Other Orioles vying for starting positions include:
– Catcher Adley Rutschman vs. Kansas City’s Salvador Perez
– First baseman Ryan Mountcastle vs. Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
– Third baseman Jordan Westburg vs. Cleveland’s José Ramírez
– Designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle vs. Houston’s Yordan Alvarez
– Outfielder Anthony Santander vs. New York Yankees’ Juan Soto for one of two available spots
Pitching and reserve selections will follow, with starting pitcher Corbin Burnes expected to be chosen. The announcement of winners and starting lineups will take place at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday on ESPN.
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