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Dodgers' Muncy to compete in Home Run Derby

Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Max Muncy is taking his breakout season to the biggest stage.

The Los Angeles Dodgers infielder, who's seemingly come out of nowhere to blast 20 homers for the defending NL champion, was announced by Major League Baseball as a participant in this year's Home Run Derby in Washington, D.C., on July 16.

Muncy has been one of this season's great stories since joining the Dodgers as a free agent in late April. After hitting just five homers in 245 plate appearances for Oakland from 2015-16, the 27-year-old suddenly morphed into a critical piece of Dave Roberts' lineup in Los Angeles. He entered play Monday hitting .270/.407/.610 with 20 homers, 38 RBIs, 39 runs scored, and 46 walks through 248 plate appearances.

Whether the derby is the only time Muncy will take the field at Nationals Park during All-Star week remains to be seen, as he's one of five candidates for the final NL roster spot in the "Final Vote" campaign. The winner of that final vote will be announced Wednesday.

The remainder of this year's Home Run Derby field has yet to be revealed, and it's not clear how many other players want to join Muncy at the event. Multiple star names, including Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Mike Trout, have already declined invitations to participate.

Washington Nationals superstar Bryce Harper, who would have home-field advantage in the contest, said last month he'd only take part if named to the All-Star Game (he was voted in as a starter on Sunday). Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez has also expressed interest.

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