Jared Eimicke

Hitters won’t be the only ones showing their stuff at the Home Run Derby. After receiving the same request from every participant, the league has agreed to let the Nationals bullpen pitch the contest.

Normally, derby participants like to use their hitting coach or whoever throws them batting practice during the season. But statistics show the Nationals have given up more home runs than every batting practice this year combined.

“They’re bad when it counts,” said slugger Giancarlo Stanton. “Anyone can give up home runs before a game. It takes a true artist to consistently give them up under the bright lights.”

The participants have made it clear they don’t want the Nationals bullpen to throw batting-practice pitches or only fastballs. Rather, they want them to pitch exactly how they do during the regular season.

“This whole season has been such a blur,” said Nationals closer Blake Treinen. "You go out there, you give up a few bombs, you’re taken out. And now we're in Miami! It's a dream come true."

The entire bullpen will be honored as a group before the derby begins, including handshakes with home run legends such as Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds.

“Thank you to the players, our families, and of course, the fans,” said reliever Matt Albers. “Except Washington fans. To you we say, as always, we are so, so sorry.”