The Atlanta Braves first baseman eventually locked in, but he fell short of advancing past the first round of the Home Run Derby

Home Run Derby takes place Monday, July 14 to kick off the MLB All-Star break. The format for this year's competition remains the same as it did in 2024, where the top four hitters from the opening round will advance to the knockout bracket where there will be head-to-head matchups.

Atlanta’s All-Star first basemen will be in the center of the spotlight tonight as he swings with the best that MLB has to offer.

Fresh faces take the batter’s box in Atlanta on Monday night for the 2025 Home Run Derby. The all-star event has seven first-time participants, including the Washington Nationals’ James Wood. The lone experienced player in the Derby,

Matt Olson will replace Atlanta Braves teammate and fellow All-Star Ronald Acuna Jr. in Monday's Home Run Derby. This marks Olson's second Home Run Derby after he participated in 2021 when he was with the Oakland Athletics.

Matt Olson is set to replace his Atlanta Braves teammate, Ronald Acuña Jr., in the 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby.

Ronald Acuña Jr. won’t participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby and will be replaced by teammate and fellow All-Star Matt Olson.

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson will be replacing outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in Monday’s event, the team announced Friday night. 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 hit in the 2021 derby while a member of the then Oakland Athletics.Acuña was expected to make his third appearance.Olson is not as popular a player as Acuña, so it's definitely disappointing for the home crowd that Acuña will not be in the event.