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Tigers Slugger Riley Green Turned Down Multiple Home Run Derby Invites?
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- Tigers Slugger Riley Green Turned Down Multiple Home Run Derby Invites?
Brett Davis-Imagn Images Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Riley Greene has led the Detroit Tigers' offense in its rise to the top of the American League, and his efforts were rewarded. On Tuesday night, Greene batted second in the AL starting lineup for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Despite an 0-for-3 effort with two strikeouts, it was a fun experience for the 24-year-old outfielder.
However, Greene had an opportunity to raise his brand to a higher level on Monday night. According to Greene, through Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold, he declined multiple invitations from MLB to participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta , GA.
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Greene is third in the AL with 24 home runs, only behind Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge . Detroit fans would have loved to watch their homegrown product hit on the big stage Monday night, but he didn't believe it was the right time.
Riley Greene explains decision to decline Home Run Derby invites
Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
"I'm just trying to stay healthy," Greene said. "It's a lot of swings. Some guys can do it. It's meant for some guys. I don't think it's meant for me right now because I haven't hit on the field in two years. I don't think I would have maybe done a good job."
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There have been plenty of examples over the last decade of MLB players not performing at a high level following their participation in the Home Run Derby. Greene, who has battled injuries over the past few seasons, didn't want to risk injury or ruin his swing. It's understandable, as the Tigers have the best record in MLB.
Despite the declined invitations, Greene had the honor of starting the 2025 MLB All-Star Game in the outfield next to Judge and his teammate, Javier Baez . It was a special moment for the Tigers outfielder, and now he will focus on leading his team to the World Series in November.
Related: Detroit Tigers linked to Gold Glove third baseman from Baltimore
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