At least they asked.
The Rangers on Tuesday cleared up some confusion about Joey Gallo and the All-Star Game Home Run Derby. It turns out MLB was, indeed, interested in having the Rangers' slugger participate in the Home Run Derby at next week's All-Star Game. They just wanted to be sensitive to his health, considering he'd spent three weeks on the Injured List with a strained oblique muscle.
According to the Rangers, the league consulted the team and the team spoke with Gallo, and everybody came to the agreement: It's not worth the risk this year.
"I think it's probably smart," said Gallo, who will still play in the All-Star Game in Cleveland on Tuesday as an AL reserve.