TEst 4

Harper's first season in Philadelphia hasn't had All-Star form, but he's hardly the only All-Star from last year sitting out this week's Midsummer Classic.

Unexpected contenders like the Twins, Rays and Rangers are challenging elite clubs like the Dodgers, Astros and Yankees.

From league-wide records to jaw-dropping individual totals, the long ball is dominating baseball like never before. Here's what you need to know about its rise as MLB's Home Run Derby takes center stage.

Cody Decker, who led all active minor leaguers in home runs, retired in style after hitting a walk-off homer for the Reno Aces. The blast was the 204th in a career that spanned 11 seasons and saw him play for 13 teams.

Texas prospect Sam Huff's two-run homer in the seventh inning rallied the American League to a 2-2 tie with the National League on Sunday night -- and provided the first glimpse of an All-Star tiebreaker -- in the Futures Game.

Cody Decker, who led all active minor leaguers in home runs, retired in style, after hitting a walkoff homer for the Reno Aces. The blast was the 204th of a career that spanned 11 seasons and saw him play for 13 teams.

The Mets' Pete Alonso has 68 RBIs at the All-Star break to set a National League rookie record.

The good news? The Cubs are in first place heading into the break. The bad? They've played under-.500 baseball since May. Which is most telling?

Angels catcher Jonathan Lucroy was carted off the field Sunday after a violent collision at home plate with the Astros' Jake Marisnick.

The Reds went back in time with sleeveless jerseys against the Indians.

Christian Yelich, who leads the league with 31 homers, has pulled out of the Home Run Derby with a back issue.

Francisco Cervelli told DKPittsburghSports.com that he is done catching in the majors after suffering his sixth documented concussion in the big leagues.

Todd Frazier said Sunday that Jake Arrieta went "a little overboard" when he threatened to "put a dent" in the Mets third baseman's skull after he was steamed after getting hit by the Phillies pitcher on Saturday.

Mark Wegner will be the crew chief and umpire behind home plate for the All-Star Game on Tuesday night in Cleveland.

Max Scherzer won't pitch in the All-Star Game because of a back injury, although the ace right-hander intends to represent the Washington Nationals on the sideline Monday and Tuesday in Cleveland.

Phillies right-hander Jake Arrieta has bone spurs in his right elbow and will be checked during the All-Star break to see whether surgery is needed, manager Gabe Kapler said Sunday.

Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner left Saturday's game against the Cardinals with an elbow contusion after taking a liner off his left arm.

Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen reportedly threw a chair during a heated meeting with manager Mickey Callaway and his coaching staff.

Yuli Gurriel homered for the fourth straight game and Gerrit Cole pitched seven scoreless innings before two relievers completed the four-hitter, leading the Houston Astros to a 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night.

Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner left Saturday's game against the Cardinals with an elbow contusion after taking a liner off his left arm.