Madison Bumgarner wants to participate in the Home Run Derby.
Yes, the same Madison Bumgarner who pitches for the San Francisco Giants.
After taking part in batting practice Sunday in St. Louis, the three-time All-Star and 2014 World Series MVP told ESPN's Buster Olney he wants to take part in the annual long-ball competition.
"I want to be in it," he told Olney. "I'm going to be in it—don't let me be in it."
Bumgarner has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the last few years, but he's also become a rare power hitter from the No. 9 spot in the lineup. He's hit 11 home runs over the last three years, including a career-high five in 2015.
While Bumgarner is confident he could shock the world and win the Home Run Derby, Giants manager Bruce Bochy has already put his foot down.
"No, to be serious, I couldn't let him do it," Bochy said, per ESPN.com. "We couldn't let him do it. And Bum, he's convinced he could win it. I think he would wear himself down in the first round, he'd try to hit it so hard."
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson checked in with Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford to see if Bumgarner would actually do it:
According to ESPN.com, Bumgarner hit at least 12 pitches over the fence in batting practice, with two reaching the third deck at Busch Stadium and one reaching the fourth deck. Bumgarner has power, but the thought of a pitcher taking part in the Derby is a stretch.
Having a pitcher compete could be a possibility down the road, but it likely won't happen this year.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.
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