Last week, Giants ace/slugger Madison Bumgarner said he “would love” to participate in the 2016 Home Run Derby if he would be extended an invitation. He isn’t the only pitcher interested in hitting some dingers.
MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat reports that Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta wants to see a pitchers’ Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities.
Arrieta said, “People think we can’t hit. We’ll show you we can hit home runs.”
Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright threw his hat in the ring, tweeting this on Sunday afternoon:
Well, if Madbum and @JArrieta34 want in on this #homerunderby...I might as well throw my name in the hat! #5:00hero #laser-show
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) June 12, 2016
Bumgarner, Arrieta, and Wainwright represent three of the best-hitting pitchers in the game. The trio has combined to hit 23 home runs. Bumgarner is responsible for more than half, however, with 13 career round-trippers.
For maximum entertainment, Zack Greinke, Mike Leake, and Noah Syndergaard would have to participate as well.