Nationals' Harper won't participate in Home Run Derby

Bryce Harper isn't about to go to bat without his dad by his side.

The Washington Nationals slugger told reporters Monday that he has opted to skip the Home Run Derby next week as his father, Ron, is unable to pitch to him as he recovers from rotator cuff surgery.

"It's a great event," Harper told reporters. "A lot of people have been looking for me to hopefully being in it. I appreciate MLB asking me and [Reds infielder Todd] Frazier asking me. But I'm going to pass on it this year. I'm going to try and enjoy it and see if some of those guys can hit it out of the ballpark that night.

"Not having my dad throw to me, it's a huge issue for me. … I know he would throw strikes for me. He knows where my sweet spot is at. That's huge for me. Hopefully in a couple of years, he would be OK. We'll see where I am."

Bryce had his father pitch to him during the 2013 Home Run Derby, in which the 22-year-old finished second to Yoenis Cespedes.

The absence of Bryce means the tournament will be devoid of one of the game's best sluggers. The leading vote getting for the NL All-Star team, Bryce sits second in the majors with 25 home runs.