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Gleyber Torres removes himself from Home Run Derby consideration

Mike Stobe / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Count rookie sensation Gleyber Torres among the growing score of sluggers removing themselves from the list of potential Home Run Derby participants.

"I'm not a home-run hitter. I'm a contact hitter," the New York Yankees infielder told Ken Davidoff of The New York Post on Wednesday, saying he would pass on the 2018 installment of the derby.

The 21-year-old Torres' feelings echo an earlier sentiment from Boston Red Sox superstar Mookie Betts, who said "Hell no, I don't hit home runs in batting practice," last month.

With the All-Star Game less than one month away, Torres joins a group of marketable stars choosing to opt out of the derby, a list that includes Betts, Aaron Judge, J.D. Martinez, and Mike Trout.

Despite self-identifying as a contact hitter, Torres possesses prolific power and has hit 14 home runs across his first 50 games. Among all MLB second basemen, Torres is tied for third in home runs with Javier Baez, trailing only Yangervis Solarte (15) and Ozzie Albies (16) despite not playing in his first game until April 22.

The 2018 All-Star Game is slated to get underway at Nationals Park on July 17, with the Home Run Derby taking place the day before. Torres may have abdicated himself of derby duty, but he could still make the All-Star Game. The rookie sits second in fan voting among American League second baseman, roughly one million votes behind Jose Altuve.

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