Poll: Should White Sox slugger Jose Abreu stay away from the Home Run Derby?

Jun 27, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu stretches in the on-deck circle prior to an at bat in the White Sox 5-4 victory over Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

If it were up to me making the decision for the Chicago White Sox, for selfish reasons, I would want first baseman Jose Abreu to skip the 2014 MLB Home Run Derby.

Would I like to see Abreu in the home run derby? Yes, but I’d rather see him in the contest next season, but not as a MLB rookie.

This year I feel he just needs to relax, and just play in the All-Star game should he be voted in or selected by the AL All-Star manager.

Abreu could probably even win the Derby, but he’s already been on the disabled list this season with an ankle injury, so why risk the chance to get injured again?

Since he’s still getting used to the MLB schedule, and will be the franchise cornerstone for many years to come (hopefully), I ask again why risk re-injuring that ankle in an exhibition contest? Not this year.

The White Sox first baseman is batting .279 with 25 home runs and 64 RBIs, and along the way he’s even set some MLB records in first three months at the MLB level. (His on-base percentage is .328).

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In months where he was healthy (April and June) Abreu has 10 home runs each, and even in May when he missed a couple weeks while on the DL he hit five. For the month of April he was the AL Rookie of the Month and AL Player of the Month.

Maybe it is just me, but I also worry about the derby messing with his swing so early on in his MLB career. I like to play on the safe side when it comes to contests that involve the future superstar of the White Sox.

After a year in the Majors, sure go for it, but this season I think it would be best if he just watches the Derby, and get to watch and experience the All-Star game festivities before hitting home runs for fun.

Am I wrong? What is you opinion on the matter?