By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
For the first time since Ryan Howard in 2009 at Busch Stadium, a Philadelphia Phillies player will participate in the Home Run Derby during Major League Baseball All-Star festivities. Phillies 1B/LF Rhys Hoskins will be one of eight participants at this year's annual event, as announced Wednesday evening on ESPN's "The 2018 T Mobile Home Run Derby Bracket Show."
Dingers on deck.
Here’s the field for the 2018 @TMobile #HRDerby. pic.twitter.com/bhBnC5k92X
— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2018
Hoskins (14 home runs) will oppose Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar (23) in the first round. According to The Athletic's Matt Gelb, Hoskins is requesting Phillies minor-league infielder coordinator Chris Truby to throw to him.
Other derby participants include: Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (19), Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (17), Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (22), Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (16), Los Angeles Dodgers 1B/3B Max Muncy (21) and Cubs utility infielder Javier Baez (17).
The youngest home run derby ever — in terms of average age among participants — will take place on Monday, July 16, 8 p.m., at Nationals Park.
