The Orioles shortstop announced he will make his debut in this year’s event, which will have a new format designed to lessen pressure on hitters.
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson became the first player to say he will participate in this year’s Home Run Derby, making the announcement Sunday shortly after MLBSpeaking to the broadcast crew of ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” during the Orioles’ game against the Texas Rangers, Henderson confirmed he will compete in the eight-player field on July 15 in Arlington, Tex. Henderson is tied for the second-most home runs in MLB this season with 26.
“This’ll be my first competitive one ever, so I’m just looking to be competitive out there,” the 23-year-old said while mic’d up during Sunday’s game. “I mean, obviously you go in to win it, but just as long as I can throw up some competitive rounds then I’ll be happy.”Earlier Sunday, MLB announced new rules designed to slow the pace of the competition and lessen the pressure on hitters.
MLB has announced new rules and format to the Home Run Derby which will take effect during this year's event.Hitters will now be allotted a maximum of 40 pitches during the first and second rounds, emphasizing efficient use of the clock instead of a frantic race to pack as many swings into the round as possible. Players will have three minutes in the first two rounds, and two minutes in the final with a maximum of 27 pitches.
Additionally, the bonus at the end of each round will no longer be timed. Instead, hitters will have three bonus outs, with anything other than a home run being considered an out, and a 425-foot homer will earn a fourth out. This will allow any trailing player to catch up with a streak of home runs during the bonus period.MLB also announced changes to the bracket format.
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