Three-Pete? Polar Bear to defend Home Run Derby crown
ATLANTA — A certain Mets first baseman will be looking for a Three-Pete in next week’s Home Run Derby.
Pete Alonso officially announced Monday that he plans to defend his back-toback crowns in the popular night before the All-Star Game event. Alonso will attempt to become the first player to win three straight crowns. Ken Griffey Jr. (1994, ’98-99) is the only three-time winner.
“That would be sick,” Alonso said, when asked about the possibility of a Three-Pete. “But I am just going to be out there having a ton of fun and just showcasing what I have got and competing.
“I don’t really know who else is going to be doing it, but for me it doesn’t really matter, because I am out there having a blast and it’s something I really enjoy doing. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to putting on a show.”
The Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. has also committed to the event.
Alonso, who went 1-for-5 with two RBIs in the Mets’ 4-1 win over the Braves, won last year with Dave Jauss (then the Mets bench coach) as his pitcher for the derby. Jauss has since departed the organization — he works in an advisory role for the Nationals — but will return as Alonso’s pitcher.
“Looking back on it the odds on me winning were pretty slim, especially where I was in the standings and also people not necessarily understanding who I am and Jaussy just gave me the best chance I possibly could to compete and win,” Alonso said. “It was special. I just had so much fun and I know Dave had a blast, too. We were both acting like kids out there, so it was fun.”
Alonso said Jauss told him two pots of coffee before the Home Run Derby and a case of Bud Light afterward should get Jauss through the night.
“He’s loose and ready to go,” Alonso said.
➤ Jacob deGrom’s third minor league rehab start is scheduled for Thursday with Triple-A Syracuse.
Buck Showalter indicated it’s likely deGrom will throw in an additional game that will be organized by the team during the All-Star break (the minor league affiliates will also be inactive) before he potentially is slotted into the Mets rotation.
➤ Starling Marte’s left groin tightness kept the outfielder absent from the starting lineup for a second straight game.
Marte is receiving treatment, and Showalter said he will continue to be evaluated on a daily basis.
➤ Travis Jankowski
(0-for-2, walk) was activated from the injured list (on the roster he replaced Jeff McNeil, who was placed on the paternity list) and started in right field.