Miguel Cabrera out at Derby but still in race for Triple Crown

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Miguel Cabrera can hit home runs.

The Tigers’ first baseman has shown that ability throughout 2010 -- he is currently tied for second in the American League with 22 home runs. But on Monday, he failed to advance past the second round, finishing the Home Run Derby in fourth place with 12 total home runs.

Along with his homers, Cabrera leads the league with 77 runs batted in and is tied for first with a .346 batting average. Halfway through the season, he is a threat to win all three races.

Cabrera could not name the last time a hitter achieved the Triple Crown. “I know it was a long time ago,” he said.

He was right. Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox hit .327 with 44 home runs and 121 RBIs in 1967 to lead all three categories.

“It’s probably the toughest thing to do. Batting average, home runs, RBIs, that’s the whole package,” said Ryan Howard, the National League’s designated hitter. “To be able to maintain and do something like that for 162 games, it’s a pretty tough thing to do. It’s got to be one of the biggest accomplishments you can achieve.”

But Cabrera said he isn’t pressuring himself to finish the season with the Triple Crown.

“I’m not going to question myself,” he said. “I’m not going to say, ‘I have to do it, I have to win this.’”

David Ortiz and Hanley Ramirez, both with 21 home runs in the first two rounds, will compete in the third and final round of the Home Run Derby.

-- Laura Myers