SPORTS

Braves’ Matt Olson to replace Ronald Acuna Jr. in Home Run Derby

The Home Run Derby crowd in Atlanta has a new hometown representative to cheer for.

Acuña had initially committed to participating earlier this month, but is back out due to back tightness. The 2023 NL MVP will still play in the All-Star Game.

Olson, 31, has had a solid season for Atlanta, blasting 17 home runs in 92 games. The six-foot-four lefty led the National League with 54 dingers in 2023, but only managed 29 in a disappointing 2024.

This will be Olson’s second career Derby try. He previously competed in 2021, hitting 23 dingers in the first round before ultimately falling to Trey Mancini.

A member of the Oakland Athletics at the time, Olson put on a show, bashing a pair of homers that travelled 495 feet at Coors Field.

He will join the field of eight, which includes Cal Raleigh, James Wood, Byron Buxton, Oneil Cruz, Junior Caminero, Brent Rooker and Jazz Chisholm Jr.

You can watch as Olson joins the group of top sluggers in the 2025 Home Run Derby on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ on Monday. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT from Truist Park in Atlanta.


Source link

Related Articles

Back to top button