ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers slugger Joey Gallo will not participate in the Home Run Derby when he is at the All-Star Game next week, and the other two All-Star picks from Texas might not be able to play in the game.
General manager Jon Daniels says Gallo will be available to play for the American League team in next Tuesday's game in Cleveland, but he won't take part in the home run contest only two weeks after he returned from missing 22 games because of a left oblique strain.
Gallo says it's "probably smart" to sit out Monday's Derby, and he appreciates the Rangers looking out for his best interest. After consecutive 40-homer seasons, Gallo went into Tuesday night's game against the visiting Los Angeles Angels with 20 homers this year.
Texas teammate Hunter Pence, selected by fans to start as the designated hitter for the AL team, has been out since June 16 with a right groin strain. He was pulled off his rehab assignment Tuesday, a day after he aggravated the injury during a minor league game.
Left-handed pitcher Mike Minor is set to start for the Rangers on Sunday, which would make him ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game.
