Cody Bellinger was only recently confirmed for the 2017 Home Run Derby, though the 21-year-old revealed he’d privately decided multiple weeks ago to accept an invitation. Bellinger becomes the fourth Los Angeles Dodgers player in as many years to participate in the contest.
The Home Run Derby field includes reigning champion and Miami Marlins right field Giancarlo Stanton, his teammate Justin Bour, Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon, Kansas City third baseman Mike Moustakas, Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano, and New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge and catcher Gary Sanchez.
The format again has seeded the players Nos. 1 through 8, with Stanton naturally earning the top seed in the complete bracket. Bellinger is seeded third and earns a first-round matchup with Blackmon.
Should Bellinger advance to the second round, he would face the winner of the Judge-Bour matchup. It’s safe to assume the majority of those with rooting interest will pull for Bellinger and Judge to clash.
Each batter will receive four minutes per round in the single-elimination tournament. The time begins with the release of a pitch, and a pitcher cannot throw a new pitch until a batted ball hits the ground, gets caught or leaves the field of play in foul territory.
Batters can earn 30 seconds of bonus time for two home runs each that travel at least 440 feet. Bonus time will be awarded at the end of the initial four-minute period.
Each batter has one 45-second timeout in the first round and semifinals. Batters are entitled to two timeouts in the final round — a 45-second timeout, then a 30-second timeout.
Any ties will be broken with a swing-off that lasts 60 seconds and does not include stoppage time or the possibility of additional time added. Should a tie remain, batters will take part in successive three-swing swing-offs.
The 2017 Home Run Derby is set for Tuesday, July 12, at Marlins Park. ESPN will exclusively televise the event, beginning at 5 p.m. PT. The T-Mobile Home Run Derby will also be available on ESPN2 for Spanish-language simulcast and to be streamed via the ESPN app.
Karl Ravech was named the new voice of the Derby, and he’ll call it alongside analysts Jessica Mendoza and Mark Teixeira. Buster Olney will provide reports from the field.
