masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles third baseman Manny Machado will participate in the Home Run Derby that precedes the 86th All-Star Game in Cincinnati.
Machado, Josh Donaldson, Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols will take their swings for the American League, while Kris Bryant, Todd Frazier, Joc Pederson and Anthony Rizzo represent the National League.
Machado, the fourth seed, faces fifth-seeded Pederson in the opening round under the new format.
Now that Machado has agreed to do it, there’s no turning back, back,…

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will participate in the Home Run Derby that precedes the 86th All-Star Game in Cincinnati.

Machado, Josh Donaldson, Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols will take their swings for the American League, while Kris Bryant, Todd Frazier, Joc Pederson and Anthony Rizzo represent the National League.

manny machado points up white back.jpgMachado, the fourth seed, faces fifth-seeded Pederson in the opening round under the new format.

Now that Machado has agreed to do it, there’s no turning back, back, back.

Earlier today, Machado launched his career-high 19th home run in a 5-3 loss to the Twins at Target Field. He’s tied with Chris Davis, who also homered today, for the team lead.

Machado and Davis are tied for seventh place in home runs in the American League.

Machado was selected to his second All-Star Game. He also was a reserve in 2013.

This year’s Home Run Derby will feature a new, single-elimination tournament format with timed rounds. Perhaps that will quicken the pace.

ESPN will televise the event Monday night at 8 p.m.

Adam Jones, named to his fifth All-Star team, participated in last year’s Derby and was eliminated in the second round after finishing with seven home runs. Davis also was eliminated in the second round in 2013 after hitting 12.

Miguel Tejada as eliminated in the first round in 2006 after hitting three, but he won it two years earlier in Houston after totaling 27. Rafael Palmeiro also participated that year and was eliminated in the semifinals after hitting 14.

Cal Ripken Jr. won it in 1991 with 12 home runs in Toronto.

Other Orioles participants include B.J. Surhoff (two) in 1999, Palmeiro (10) in 1998, Brady Anderson (four) in 1997, Anderson (11) in 1996, Ripken (four) in 1992, and Eddie Murray (four) and Ripken (one) in 1985.