Brave in, Brave out: This is the late change to the Home Run Derby lineup
One Braves star has replaced another in the field for next week’s Home Run Derby, which takes place at Atlanta’s stadium.
The 2025 Home Run Derby lost a bit of its luster ahead of the All-Star Game festivities, as one of the event’s marquee sluggers, Ronald Acuña Jr., has officially withdrawn.
Why is Acuña missing the Home Run Derby?
The Atlanta Braves superstar opted out due to lingering back discomfort, paving the way for teammate Matt Olson to take his place in the power-hitting showcase.
Despite sitting out the Derby, Acuña Jr. will remain in the starting lineup for the All-Star Game.
Acuña has launched 11 home runs so far in the 2025 MLB season and is currently batting .324 - his second-highest career average - thanks to 48 hits in 148 at-bats.
Watch out in the Chop House - Matt Olson will participate in Monday’s #HRDerby!
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 11, 2025
He replaces Ronald Acuña Jr. who will not participate in the Derby, but will still start in the #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/AEDXv2BvNV
Can Olson make Braves history?
Stepping into the spotlight is Olson, who leads the Braves in home runs this season with 17. He’ll look to capitalize on home-field advantage at Truist Park and make a deep run in the Derby.
This marks Olson’s second appearance in the event; his first came in 2021 as a member of the Oakland Athletics, when he was eliminated in the first round by Trey Mancini.
If Olson manages to win, he’ll etch his name into franchise history. No Braves player has ever won the Home Run Derby since its inception in 1985, making this a golden opportunity for Olson to break new ground.
2025 Home Run Derby: when, how to watch?
This year’s Home Run Derby is to take place on Monday, July 14, at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch live on ESPN, and can stream the network’s coverage on the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free trial.
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