Stanton Hits Record 61 In Home Run Derby

By ESPN

Giancarlo Stanton wore out Petco Park with a record display of power in the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night, peppering every landmark from the left field corner to center field.

Stanton hit 20 homers in the final round to best defending champion Todd Frazier of the Chicago White Sox. Overall, the Miami Marlins slugger hit a record 61, shattering the single-night mark of 41 by Bobby Abreu in 2005.

Stanton's impressive shots hit the top level of the Western Metal Supply Co. Building in the left-field corner and the top of the batter's eye in center field.

He sent several balls just below the giant scoreboard high atop the left-field stands and several over the bullpens in left-center.

"For sure, being on the West Coast and taking the flight out here just for this, you know. I figure it's a waste if I don't bring this bad boy home,'' Stanton said, hoisting the trophy.

The three-time All-Star is not on the National League roster for Tuesday night's game after batting .233 with 20 homers and 50 RBIs before the break.

"I had a great time. I had a blast.''

Literally. His longest shot was estimated at 497 feet. He hit the eight longest homers of the competition and 20 of the 21 deepest drives.

Arrieta May Not Pitch In All-Star Game

After struggling in his last few starts before the break, National League Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta is leaning toward resting up for the second half and not pitching in Tuesday's All-Star Game, his agent, Scott Boras, confirmed Monday.

"We've scuffled the past couple weeks," Arrieta said Monday afternoon. "The break is coming at a really good time."

Arrieta is 12-4 with a 2.68 ERA but has been trending in the wrong direction, having pitched no more than six innings in each of his past five starts, including three that lasted less than six. Arrieta was passed over to start the game for the NL in favor of San Francisco Giants starter Johnny Cueto. Now he might not play in it at all.

"I'm not disappointed," Arrieta said of not being named the starter. "I'm realistic. My last three starts were poor."

Boras confirmed his client was thinking about sitting out the game. As of late Monday afternoon, NL manager Terry Collins wasn't aware of Arrieta's decision.

Last season, Arrieta admitted he was fatigued in the National League Championship Series, which was won by the New York Mets in four games. This year the Cubs are trying to keep him fresh for October -- taking Tuesday off falls in line with that strategy. Of course, the game could dictate a need for Arrieta as he'll be dressed and available for Collins either way.