Cubs All-Stars Schwarber, Baez enter HR Derby

Chicago Cubs All-Stars Kyle Schwarber and Javier Baez are entering the 2018 Home Run Derby on Monday at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Max Muncy also are competing for the National League.

Baez was voted a starter at second base and the slugging Schwarber, 25, shares the team home run lead with Baez with 17 entering Wednesday's game against the San Francisco Giants.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday he is not concerned about any negative impact on the players in the second half of the season because of their participation in the longball competition.

Last season, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge won the Home Run Derby and wound up battling shoulder issues in August and September.

"It's an illogical dialogue. People say that just because they've heard someone say that. It's almost like (an old wives') tale," Maddon said.

Judge turned down the offer to participate this season, as did another former derby champion, Giancarlo Stanton.

"It's on the bucket list," Schwarber said. "It's one of those things you grow up watching (Ken) Griffey and (Mark) McGwire. Now that I can do it, it's a thing you want to do at least once."

--Field Level Media