Bryant, Rizzo Both Named to MLB Home Run Derby Field

The MLB All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday evening in Cincinnati, but with format changes and some of the biggest names in the sport participating, the Home Run Derby on Monday is quickly becoming must-see television.

Chicago Cubs fans will definitely want to tune into the event, as both first baseman Anthony Rizzo and third baseman Kris Bryant will participate in the Derby. Rizzo has 16 home runs so far this season, and Bryant has clubbed 12 in his rookie season with the Cubs.

The two Cubs were named to the All-Star Game as reserves on Monday, with Rizzo making his second consecutive appearance in the midsummer classic and Bryant making it for the first time in his career.

Both players will be looking to become just the fourth Cub in team history to win the event. Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, and Sammy Sosa all have won the Home Run Derby in the past. 

Todd Frazier of the Reds and Joc Pederson of the Dodgers (who is competing with Bryant for NL Rookie of the Year honors) will also participate for the National League. Albert Pujols, Josh Donaldson, Prince Fielder, and Manny Machado are the American League participants.

Under the new format of the Derby, head-to-head matchups will replace the old round robin format. Bryant received the 8th seed in the event, and he will take on Pujols in the first round. Rizzo meanwhile drew Donaldson on the other side of the bracket in a 3-vs.-6 matchup. Pederson will face Machado and Frazier will battle Fielder in the other two quarterfinal matchups.

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