Yankees Star Could Join HR Derby After Ronald Acuna Jr. Injury Setback

In his first full season with the New York Yankees, Jazz Chisholm Jr. has emerged as an exciting combination of power and speed with some elite defensive versatility.

With a .247/.344/.502 slash line, 15 homers and 10 steals so far this year, he has been named to his second career All-Star game, set to serve as an infield reserve for the American League. And after an unfortunate injury setback for Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., he could soon be tabbed for an additional honor.

“Acuña was scratched from the Braves’ lineup with lower back tightness less than an hour before the start of Tuesday’s 10-1 loss to the Athletics at Sutter Health Park,” Mark Bowman reported for MLB.com. “The Braves are hopeful Acuña wakes on Wednesday without any back discomfort, but if this becomes a lingering issue Acuña likely wouldn’t be available to participate in Monday’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby or to serve as one of the National League’s starting outfielders during Tuesday’s All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Truist Park.”

The injury represents a harsh setback for Acuña, who recently made his season debut after recovering from the second major knee injury of his career. As a result, he could lean toward caution when it comes to participating in All-Star activities and rest up for a return to the Braves.

“My first priority is to be able to rejoin the team and help the guys on the field,” Acuña said through an interpreter, per Bowman. “So, that’s really my first concern.”

If Acuña does bow out of the derby, Chisholm could be called in as a replacement. In the wake of the injury news, The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner reported that the Yankees infielder would accept such an invitation.

“Jazz Chisholm Jr. said he would be interested in participating in the Home Run Derby,” Kirschner reported.

As Major League Baseball evaluates the potential replacement for Acuña, that interest could soon become an opportunity to participate.

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