Bryce Harper to skip Home Run Derby at All-Star Game

UPDATE: Washington Nationals star and All-Star Bryce Harper told reporters Monday that he will not participate in the Home Run Derby during All-Star festivities in Cincinnati next week.

ORIGINAL POST:

With his father – and pitcher – on the disabled list, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper said he may not participate in this year's Home Run Derby at Great American Ball Park, but he hasn't made a final decision yet.

First Harper would have to be asked, but the 22-year-old is tied for the major-league lead with 18 home runs this season and finished runner-up in the 2013 derby, so it would be safe to assume he would be a natural choice.

But in 2013, Harper's father, Ron, was his pitcher, and he doesn't know if he would want to participate with another pitcher. Ron Harper recently had rotator cuff surgery after a snowboarding accident, his son said.

"I probably won't be able to do it this year, because he's my guy," Harper said of his father.

It would be extra special, because the elder Harper was a big Reds fan growing up.

"It was weird because he's from Vegas, and the Dodgers at that time were the big rivalry, but my dad always liked the Reds," Harper said. "I think my first Little League team was the Reds. My dad was a huge fan of them. (I'd watch the Big Red Machine on) ESPN Classic, of course. My dad taught me about the Big Red Machine and all those guys. And then there's Barry Larkin – I could go on and on. I know a lot about the Reds' history because of my dad. It's fun to talk to him about it."

Harper said he was looking forward to the Home Run Derby at the homer-friendly GABP and isn't definite on a decision.

"We'll see if I end up doing it or not," Harper said. "As of right now, I don't know if I'll end up doing it."