Stanton open to being in Home Run Derby

MIAMI -- Right knee surgery prevented Giancarlo Stanton from competing in the 2012 All-Star Game as well as the Home Run Derby, which took place the night before the Midsummer Classic.

After missing about five weeks with a right hamstring strain, Stanton is once again in the Marlins' lineup. On Tuesday night, the 23-year-old delivered the game-changing two-run homer in the eighth inning that lifted Miami to a 5-4 win over the Brewers.

Out for much of the season because of injury, Stanton has not built a serious case to represent the Marlins in the All-Star Game on July 16 at Citi Field. But technically, the slugger could still head to New York and take part in the Home Run Derby, set for July 15.

The captains for the National and American League squads, respectively, are Mets third baseman David Wright and Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano.

Each captain will select three hitters, and they do not have to be players selected to the All-Star Game.

If Wright were to call, Stanton would be interested.

Asked if he would want to compete in the Home Run Derby, Stanton on Wednesday gave an immediate "of course."

The National League certainly has deserving candidates like Domonic Brown, who paces the league with 19, Carlos Gonzalez (18), Troy Tulowitzki (16) and Paul Goldschmidt (15).

Stanton, meanwhile, has four in 22 games. But in presence and immense power, few match the Marlins right fielder.

A year ago, Stanton was set to compete in the All-Star festivities, but he had his surgery the day before the Home Run Derby.