Overview

• Two-time champion Pete Alonso ended his five-year Derby streak by declining the July 14 invitation at Truist Park.
• Alonso, who has 20 home runs and 73 RBIs this season, was still named an NL All-Star reserve for the All-Star Game in Atlanta.
• Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, third in the National League with 27 home runs, also opted out of this year’s Derby.
• Other marquee hitters, including Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and reigning champion Teoscar Hernandez, have indicated they won’t participate.
• Players cite the three off-days’ disruption to their regular-season rhythm and express willingness to return when the Derby visits parks they favor, such as Citi Field or Fenway Park.