Back to the Washington Nationals Newsfeed

Bryce Harper to skip Home Run Derby as father recovers from surgery

Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper won’t participate in the Home Run Derby next week because his father, Ron, isn’t available to pitch to him.

The Home Run Derby will be held Monday, the day before the All-Star Game in Cincinnati. Harper was the leading vote-getter in fan balloting for National League starters and began play Monday tied for second in the majors with 25 home runs.

Harper finished second in the 2013 Home Run Derby with his dad as the pitcher, but his father recently underwent shoulder surgery so Harper said Monday he will skip the event.