Skip to content

Bumgarner won't hit in All-Star HR Derby

Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Madison Bumgarner may have wanted to take part in the upcoming All-Star Home Run Derby, but his dream won't be coming true this season.

San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy told reporters Thursday the ace of the pitching staff will not participate in the event, despite Bumgarner telling ESPN's Buster Olney he was interested in taking part.

Bochy said the idea was nixed at the request of the player's union.

After Bumgarner announced his desire to partake in early June, an influx of pitchers joined him in showing interest, including NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, Jose Fernandez, and Adam Wainwright.

The idea of a pitcher-only derby was even reportedly discussed by Major League Baseball, but nothing came to fruition.

Bumgarner, who's known to have some pop - as evidenced by his 13 career home runs - will hit in place of the designated hitter Thursday in a game played by American League rules against the Oakland Athletics.

It's the first time a manager has intentionally started an AL game without the DH since 1976.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox