Brandon Inge says he’s excited by home run derby appearance

Inge says he’s in for home run derby

DETROIT — Brandon Inge says he’s going to participate in the home run derby on Monday night during All-Star week.

Inge earned the final spot on American League All-Star team Thursday after receiving 11.8 million Internet votes from fans, beating out Texas’ Ian Kinsler to earn a trip to St. Louis.

After hitting just .205 with 11 home runs last season, he rebounded this season by posting a .264 average and leading the club with 19 homers and 54 RBIs heading into Friday’s games. He’s already driven in three runs more than last year.

Inge will join Joe Mauer on the AL squad. The rest of the lineup has not been announced.

Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Adrian Gonzalez have been named as the National League participants.