Christian Yelich to participate in All-Star Home Run Derby

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The reigning NL MVP plans to participate in the Home Run Derby next month.

Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich, who leads the majors with 29 homers, says he accepted an invitation from Major League Baseball to compete in the power-hitting contest July 8 during All-Star week in Cleveland.

"They asked if I would do it a few weeks ago," Yelich said Saturday night after Milwaukee beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1. "I said as long as I was an All-Star I would do it — obviously if I'm feeling healthy enough before the game."

Yelich was elected by fans earlier in the week to start in the National League outfield during the July 9 showcase. He says he grew up watching the Home Run Derby on TV.

"I feel like now's as good a time to do it as any, so we'll see how it goes," he said.