NEW YORK — Right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. of the host Atlanta Braves was announced Wednesday as the first of the eight hitters who will compete in the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, the day before Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game at the venue.
The 27-year-old Acuña, who homered on the first pitch of his May 23 return to the Atlanta lineup after nearly a year away due to a torn left ACL, will participate in MLB’s Home Run Derby for the third time.
He lost to New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso, 20-19, in the semifinals in 2019 at Cleveland’s Progressive Field after opening with a 25-18 victory over Josh Bell of the Pittsburgh Pirates, then lost to Alonso 20-19 in the first round at Dodger Stadium in 2022.
“I’m even more excited to be doing it here in Atlanta in front of our fans,” Acuña, who bats in the leadoff spot for the Braves, said through a translator in an interview on ESPN. “I’m excited to do it at home and do it for them … and put on a great show for them.”
A four-time MLB All-Star, Acuña is batting .383 with nine home runs, five doubles and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He has also drawn 25 walks in his 107 at-bats and has an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.182.