The MLB All-Star Game will be played at Coors Field, in Denver, Colorado, on July 13.
A day before, on July 12, the Home Run Derby will captivate audiences around the world.
Usually, it’s an honor to be selected to play in the All-Star Game.
First-timers and those who haven’t been selected many times, especially, are eager to live the experience, meeting so many talented performers, and just enjoying being surrounded by the best baseball players in the world.
Veterans, however, that have lived the experience many times over the course of their careers, often decline the invitation.
The MLB season is long and full of traveling, so lots of players prefer to go home, relax, and rest for a handful of days.
It will be the only time that they will be able to do that in the next three months, at least.
2021 MLB All-Star Confirmed Absences
As of now, three notable players confirmed they won’t be attending the 2021 All-Star Game.
deGrom, Correa, Altuve all opting out. MLB All Star Game turning into the Pro Bowl
— Dan Graca (@DanGraca) July 8, 2021
New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom said he won’t be participating in the festivities because he will use the off days to rest and be with his family.
It’s a smart decision by deGrom, who has suffered side, elbow, and shoulder injuries this year and has already visited the injured list.
It isn’t worth the risk to go out there and risk an aggravation of any of the injuries, and if he pitches at anything less than 90 percent of his capabilities, fans will tell.
That’s actually one of the most frequent reasons why some players may begin to skip the All-Star game.
Playing every day may cause serious injuries that force the player to sit during the season, but it’s the nagging injuries with which they play with day in and day out that take a heavier toll on the body.
The All-Star break is a perfect opportunity for these players to get fully healthy, considering that there are still a little under three months to play for everyone, and more if that players’ team reaches the postseason.
There are also two confirmed absences on the Houston Astros: shortstop Carlos Correa and second baseman Jose Altuve.
The former will be with his pregnant wife, and the latter prefers to rest one of those nagging injuries.
Both Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve will skip the All Star game. Correa wants to be with his pregnant wife /attend impt dr appt and Altuve has left leg injury that needs rest.#Astros
— Randy McIlvoy (@KPRC2RandyMc) July 8, 2021
Players Have The Right To Decline
While some may say that Correa and Altuve are skipping the game because they don’t want to deal with people reminding them of the cheating scandal, they have their right to not participate.
Players are human beings, with families, feelings, and tired bodies to rest.
If Correa wants to be with his pregnant wife and be with her as long as he can, he has every right to do it.
Teams often need players to play through injuries during the regular season, so they should get their chance to recharge and relax for a few days until the grind starts again.
It’s an honor to play in the All-Star Game, but players should ultimately determine whether it’s worth participating or not.
It should not surprise anyone if more players announced their intentions to sit the game out in the next couple of days.
NEXT: 3 Longest MLB World Series Droughts And When They Could End