Angels' Pujols to participate in Home Run Derby

Roughly 24 hours before he takes the field for the American League at the 2015 All-Star Game, Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols will put his magical swing on display at Great American Ball Park for the annual Home Run Derby.

Pujols, who will appear in his 10th career All-Star Game after a four-year absence from the event, confirmed Tuesday he will participate in the derby for the fourth time since his 2001 debut.

"They want me to do it, so why not?" said Pujols, who will have Angels bench coach Dino Ebel throw to him. "I'm going to give it one last chance."

"I enjoy it every time I do it because I take it like batting practice," Pujols said. "I know I have to hit the ball out of the ballpark, but to me, it's like regular batting practice -- except you have 50,000 people watching you, and you don't have a cage."

When asked last month about potentially participating in the event, Pujols said he "think(s) it would be the last one." On Tuesday, though, the three-time MVP applauded the decision to implement timed rounds for this year's event, a decision that should lead to "less standing around."

Despite an underwhelming start to his career with the Angels, Pujols has enjoyed an impressive resurgence in 2015. The 35-year-old leads the American League with 25 home runs and a .292 isolated power this season, posting his best on-base plus slugging (.894) since 2011.

Pujols, however, doesn't seem willing to lobby teammate Mike Trout to participate in the derby with him.

"That's his decision," Pujols said. "He's one of the best players in the game; I would love for him to do it. But it has to come from his heart.