Cubs' Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo to participate in Home Run Derby

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The Cubs' two young sluggers are going to flex their muscles during All-Star festivities next week in Cincinnati.

It was announced Wednesday night that Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo will both participate in the Home Run Derby, coming Monday night at Great American Ballpark.

Bryant and Rizzo are both members of the National League All-Star team. Bryant, a rookie, is making his first All-Star appearance, while Rizzo is making his second.

Entering Wednesday night's game, Rizzo tied for seventh in the NL with 15 home runs, and Bryant was tied for 19th with 12.

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Joining the two Cubs in this year's Derby are Reds third baseman Todd Frazier, Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, Angels first baseman Albert Pujols, Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson, Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder and Orioles third baseman Manny Machado.

This year's Derby will have a head-to-head format, with Bryant taking on Pujols in the first round and Rizzo squaring off against Donaldson. According to CSN's David Kaplan, Bryant's dad will pitch to him.

Bryant and Rizzo will be the first Cubs to participate in the Home Run Derby in more than 10 years. Sammy Sosa made the last of his four appearances in 2004.

Should Bryant or Rizzo win, they'll be the fourth Cub to do so, joining Sosa (2000), Andre Dawson (1987) and Ryne Sandberg (1990). That would give the Cubs more Derby winners than any other franchise.

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