Major League Baseball Notes: Nationals Bryce Harper to skip Home Run Derby | Comcast

Washington Nationals superstar Bryce Harper will not participate in the Home Run Derby this season. Ron Harper pitched for Bryce Harper in the 2013 Home Run Derby, when he finished second to Yoenis Cespedes.

Over 75 games and 319 plate appearances this season, the 2010 no. 1 overall pick has already set a new career-high in home runs as well with 25 homers, three more than he hit in his first major league season in 2012, when he hit 22 and collected 59 RBIs in 139 games and 597 PAs.

One reason Harper passed on the event is his father’s recent surgery.

“Not having dad is a huge issue for me”, Harper said, per Comcast SportNet’s Mark Zuckerman.

Harper also has made history by being the first three-time All-Star in Washington Nationals franchise history.

After roping a double, Harper took a casual lead off second base and was chatting with San Francisco shortstop Brandon Crawford when Giants center fielder Gregor Blanco snuck in from behind and almost caught the 22-year-old star in one of the most imaginative pickoff attempts I can recall. The All-Star Game will be played the following night. He will not participate in next week’s Derby. Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is currently atop the home run leaderboard with 27, per ESPN. “I don’t think that”.

It’s been a remarkable first half of the season for the 22-year-old.

Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper (34) hits a two-run homer with… 340 or better with at least 25 home runs, 60 RBI and 60 walks through July 4: Hall of Famer Frank Thomas, who accomplished the feat in 1994 and 2000, and Hall of Famer Babe Ruth, who did it in 1921, 1926, 1927 and 1930. “So, we’ll see how I feel today and make my decision before the game”. “Being able to play alongside some of the best in baseball at the All-Star Game, hang out and just have a good time with everybody, it’s definitely exciting”.