Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández Confirms Participation in Home Run Derby.
The Dodgers’ outfielder became the eighth and final confirmed Home Run Derby participant on Wednesday, when he announced he would compete in the event next Monday during the ESPN broadcast of the Dodgers’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Hernández also revealed that Dino Ebel, the Dodgers’ third-base coach, will throw to him.
ESPN is televising the annual Derby from Globe Life Field, one day before the Texas Rangers host the MLB All-Star Game. Hernández was among six Dodger players chosen to play for the National League side.
The Dodgers also released a video of Hernández announcing his participation during Wednesday’s game, suggesting Hernandez’s big reveal was a bit less than stream-of-consciousness thinking:
The entire eight-person field for the Home Run Derby was completed Wednesday. Besides Hernández, the participants will be:
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez
Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia
Some changes are coming to the event this year.
While the Derby will retain a timed format, the first round will no longer be a head-to-head affair. Instead, the top four home run hitters out of the field of eight will advance to the second round. Hitters will have three minutes in each of the first two rounds, and two minutes in the championship round.
Also, the bonus time for each hitter will continue until he’s made three outs (defined as any swings that generate a result other than a home run). A fourth out can be earned with a 425-foot home run in the bonus time.
