There will be a new Home Run Derby king at this year’s signature All-Star Game event.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge told The New York Post on Tuesday that he will sit out the annual home run hitting contest, scheduled for July 16 at Nationals Park in Washington, during this year’s All-Star Game festivities.
Judge strongly hinted to reporters then about “leaning” toward not taking part in any future Derby competitions. He didn’t offer any reasons behind his decision, other than to say that it was a personal choice.
One and done, Home Run Derby champion, Judge told reporters. “It was a cool experience. I enjoyed it all, but I don’t think I really need to go out there and do it again.”
Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports that Patriots defensive end Adrian Clayborn “tweaked” a quadriceps muscle during offseason workouts.
Clayborn’s availability could be limited for the Organized Team Activities, which begin on Monday. Either way, he’s expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
Reiss notes that the quad issue underscores concerns about Clayborn’s history of injuries, from an ACL tear (plus more knee damage) in 2012 to a torn biceps in one arm in 2014 to another knee injury in 2016 to a torn biceps in the other arm in 2016.
Clayborn had a career-high 9.5 sacks in 2017, six of which came in one game, against the Cowboys.
At some point, Father Time catches up to everybody, so that’s something to think about before drafting players like LeBron and Chris Paul (No. 16) who are entering their 16th and 14th seasons in the league, respectively.