Reds’ Votto passes on Home Run Derby

Worry about injury one reason he won’t participate

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto ranks second in the National League with 23 home runs, but he will not participate in the Home Run Derby on July 10 in Miami, Fla.

“I was asked by Major League Baseball, and I passed,” Votto said Sunday. “I passed because it’s a style of hitting that I never do. I’ve played every game thus far this season, and I’m concerned about two things. I’m concerned about potentially getting injured, and I’m concerned about not being able to do my very best if I can sense an injury. It’s a challenging event. It’s something that I’d rather save for the field and during the games.”

Adam Duvall participated in the Home Run Derby in 2016. Todd Frazier won the derby as a Red in Cincinnati in 2015.

Votto and shortstop Zack Cozart will represent the Reds in the 88th All-Star Game on July 11. Votto was selected as a National League reserve. The fans voted Cozart into the game as a starter.

Votto recorded his 1,499th career hit Sunday in a 6-2 loss to the Cubs, tying him with Ted Kluszewski for 10th all time in Reds history. They each have 1,399 hits.

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