Cardinals’ All-Star first baseman, Albert Pujols, declined the option to entertain fans during next week’s Home Run Derby.

It’s the second time in three years Pujols has turned down the MLB’s offer to showcase his skills against some the game’s premier power hitters. Pujols spent almost three weeks on the disabled list in the beginning of June, but demands he is fully recovered from the strained right oblique muscle that kept him out.

Despite the injury, Pujols is tied for the National League lead in home runs (28) with Phillies star and St. Louis native, Ryan Howard. Pujols, the leading NL vote getter, is second in RBIs.