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Josh Hamilton out of MLB Home Run Derby

Josh Hamilton, the Texas Rangers outfielder and current home run leader for the MLB this season, will not participate in this years Home Run Derby in July. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Texas Rangers v Houston Astros

Josh Hamilton, the Texas Rangers outfielder and baseball's current leader of home runs this season, said he will not participate in this years Home Run Derby, reported Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

According to the report, Hamilton walked into the office of Rangers manager Ron Washington and told him that he isn't going to participate:

Washington's reaction: He gave Hamilton a hug.

"I didn't help him with the decision," Washington said. "But when he told me I was very, very happy he's not doing it. He has so much torque in his swing. If he swings and misses, he could get hurt. And if he's hurt, we're hurt.'

Hamilton was named the AL Player of the Month this season after averaging .395 with 9 home runs and 25 RBIs.  A month later, in a game against the Baltimore Orioles on May 8 , Hamilton went 5-for-5 including four home runs and 8 RBIs, becoming only the 16th player in MLB history to accomplish this feat.