Justin Morneau didn't make the All-Star roster, but Target Field will be his launching pad once again.
The former Twins and current Rockies first baseman was selected on Thursday as one of the final participants in the Home Run Derby . Monday will be Morneau's first appearance at Target Field since the Twins traded the four-time All Star and 2006 American League MVP to the Pirates last Aug. 31. He's fifth all-time with 20 home runs at Target Field.
Morneau was elected to participate in the Home Run Derby after he failed to crack the All-Star roster in the league's Final Vote fan competition. Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo defeated Morneau, Braves outfielder Justin Upton, Marlins third baseman Casey McGehee and Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon in the National League with 8.8 million votes for his first All-Star selection.
In a statement issued by the Rockies PR staff, Morneau said, "I just want to say thank you to all of the Rockies, Twins and Morneau fans who spent so much time voting. It was a very humbling experience.
"See you at the derby."
Along with Morneau, Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson was the final Home Run Derby selection for the American League. They will join Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, Athetics outfielder and defending Home Run Derby champion Yoenis Cespedes, Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig, Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, Reds three baseman Todd Frazier and Orioles outfielder Adam Jones as the 10 participants.
White Sox ace Chris Sale, the winning pitcher in last year's All-Star Game, won the American League Fan Vote competition for his second All-Star selection. He defeated four other starting pitchers — Detroit's Rick Porcello, Cleveland's Corey Kluber, the Angels' Garrett Richards and Houston's Dallas Keuchel — with 6.7 million votes..
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