Gary Sanchez shrugs off Logan Morrison's HR Derby dig

NEW YORK – Gary Sanchez shrugged aside Logan Morrison’s opinion that the Yankees slugging catcher doesn’t belong in next week’s Home Run Derby.

“It’s not my fault that he didn’t get selected,’’ Sanchez said through an interpreter before Wednesday’s Blue Jays-Yankees game at the Stadium. “Like I said before, I’m just happy to participate and it will be an honor to be part of it.’’

The Rays’ Morrison claimed he wasn’t disappointed that MLB did not invite him to compete in the Derby, which he said he would have accepted.

However, “Gary shouldn’t be there,’’ Morrison told the Tampa Bay Times. “Gary’s a great player but he shouldn’t be in the Home Run Derby.’’

Sanchez has 13 home runs in his first 53 games this year, having missed a month due to a strained right biceps. Last season, Sanchez clubbed 20 home runs in 53 games, finishing second in the AL Rookie of the Year balloting.

“I remember when I had 14 home runs. That was a month and a half ago,’’ Morrison said, adding: “I play for the Rays. I get it.’’

Morrison, 29, already has a career high 24 homers in his first 80 games. But Sanchez’s average distance of 427 feet on his home runs leads MLB, among players with at least 10 homers.

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“What can I say? That’s something that I have no control of,’’ Sanchez said of being invited over Morrison to participate, along with teammate Aaron Judge – leading the majors with 28 home runs.

Sanchez said he told MLB officials that if he made the All-Star team, then he’d participate in the Derby.

As for whether Morrison has a case over Sanchez’s qualifications, Sanchez said, “the question really should be toward them (MLB) and let them answer that.

“To me, it’s just an opportunity and an honor to be a part of the Derby.’’