Willson Contreras to participate in Home Run Derby at All-Star Game

CHICAGO — Major League Baseball suspended Willson Contrerasfor seven games last week for his role in the bench-clearing brawl against the Nationals on June 30.

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Now the league can’t get enough of the Red Sox first baseman.

Contreras was added to the American League roster for the All-Star Game on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, he accepted an invitation to compete in the Home Run Derby.

“It was something I’ve always wanted to do,” Contreras said Wednesday before the Red Sox defeated the White Sox, 5-0, at Rate Field. “I’ve done it before in Venezuela, not here. I always wanted to at least participate in one in MLB, and I’m really excited.”

Contreras asked his brother William to pitch to him, but the Brewers All-Star catcher declined. Red Sox bench coach José David Flores is expected to handle the job.

Contreras is tied for seventh in the American League with 20 homers.

Jac Caglianone (Royals), Junior Caminero (Rays), and Ben Rice (Yankees) have also confirmed their participation in the eight-man field.

Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber of the host Phillies could join the competition. Defending champion Cal Raleigh of the Mariners is not expected to participate.

“I think Philadelphia is a good stadium to hit. The ball carries a lot,” Contreras said. “The key for me, the key in the Home Run Derby is not trying to do too much or trying to hit it a long way. I already have a plan of what to do. Hopefully it works out.”

Contreras could be well-rested for the event as MLB is expected to rule on the appeal of his suspension on Thursday.

Under league rules, teams can have only one player suspended per game. Outfielder Nate Eaton served the second game of his two-game ban related to the brawl on Wednesday.

The Sox are scheduled to finish their series against the White Sox on Thursday afternoon. A three-game series against the Mets in New York starts Friday.

There’s a good possibility Contreras’s suspension will continue for a game or two after the break. It would not affect his participation in the All-Star Game.

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For now, the tentative plan is for All-Star lefthander Ranger Suarez to stay in the rotation and face the Mets on Saturday.

Suarez lasted only 2⅔ innings against the Angels on Sunday because of a groin strain. He will throw in the bullpen on Thursday to determine his readiness.

“We’ll see how he feels,” interim manager Chad Tracy said.

Brayan Bello could replace Suarez. The righthander hasn’t pitched for Triple-A Worcester since July 1.

“Keeping options open,” Tracy said. “Trying to keep as many avenues available and open to us. If [Suarez] ends up not being able to throw, we don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Tracy said Bello could start or pitch out of the bullpen behind an opener. He was demoted on June 6 because of a 6.34 ERA through 13 starts.

If Suarez can’t pitch, he almost certainly would not be available for the All-Star Game. Teammate Sonny Grayis a potential replacement.

The Sox have sent several injured players to the team complex in Fort Myers, Fla. But shortstop Trevor Storyis working out at Fenway Park as he recovers from sports hernia surgery.

Tracy described him as doing “pretty extensive” baseball workouts but did not put a timetable on his return. Story has been out since May 15.

“I think it’s fair to say Trevor’s moving along pretty good, which is nice to see,” Tracy said.

Garrett Crochet, who has been out since April 26 with shoulder inflammation, still has yet to restart a throwing program after a setback last month … Lefthander Johan Oviedo, who appeared in one game before going on the injured list with an elbow strain, is throwing but is a “ways off” from a game according to Tracy … The Sox improved to 25-21 on the road and 32-31 under Tracy.

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