Jul 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier hits a double in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park. The Brewers won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
MIAMI — Third baseman Todd Frazier, an All-Star for the second straight year, is having a breakout season.
He was shut down on Thursday by Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, going 1-for-4 in a 2-0 loss to Miami. Still, with the second half of the season yet to play, Frazier has 25 homers — four short of his career high — and 55 RBIs.
On Tuesday, he will become the first Reds third baseman since Chris Sabo in 1991 to start an All-Star Game.
In addition, Frazier is on pace to get 47 doubles, 49 homers and 106 RBIs. Even with all the great hitters in Reds history, none of them have ever hit 40 homers and 40 doubles in the same season.
Only three Reds players — Frank Robinson, Dave Parker and Jay Bruce — have ever had 30 homers, 40 doubles and 100 RBIs in the same season.
Because of all those numbers and more, it’s no surprise that Frazier, 29, was selected to compete in Monday’s Home Run Derby, part of the All-Star Game festivities.
It will be the second straight year he competes in the contest.
“I’m ecstatic,” Frazier said. “It’s my second time around. My nerves won’t be as much.”
Frazier, the Reds’ first-round pick (34th overall) in 2007, said he figures to have an advantage considering that Cincinnati is hosting the All-Star Game.
“I can’t give secrets away,” he said, “but sometimes the winds play a certain factor.”
