It is a known fact that pitchers don’t usually get hits in games let alone crack home runs. However, that isn’t stopping Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta from wanting to compete in the 2016 Home Run Derby.
After the Cubs’ 8-2 win over the hapless Atlanta Braves, in which Arrieta recorded two hits, he was feeling pretty cocky and expressed his desire to participate in the derby this year. His comments honed on the fact that San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgardner also wants to be involved in the competition.
“If he’s in it, I want to be in it. I honestly think that would probably be the most adrenaline I would ever have,” Arrieta said.
During his short career in the MLB, Arrietta has cracked three home runs, all of which have come between this season and last. His lone home run of this season was pretty impressive as he blasted a towering two-run shot over the centerfield wall at Chase Field.
It is rather unlikely that Arrieta will get to actually compete in the derby this year, especially since Giants manager Bruce Bochy won’t allow his star pitcher to take to the plate either.
The 2016 Home Run Derby takes place on July 11 live on ESPN.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
