All-Star Game 2017: Bryce Harper, Joey Votto skipping Home Run Derby

July 3 (UPI) -- Slugger Bryce Harper will sit out the 2017 Home Run Derby.

The Washington Nationals star previously said that he would be skipping the 2016 and 2017 events, but he confirmed the news on Sunday to ESPN.

Harper will start in the outfield on July 11 for baseball's midsummer classic. It will be his fifth All-Star appearance in six seasons. The 2015 National League MVP has 20 home runs and 62 RBI in 75 games this season. He is also hitting .318. Harper hit a pair of two-run home runs in the Nationals' 7-2 victory Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. He is among three Nationals players starting in the All-Star Game, along with Daniel Murphy and Ryan Zimmerman.

Harper led fan voting with 4.63 million votes. He last participated in the Home Run Derby in 2013, placing second.

Washington will host the 2018 All-Star Game.

Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano, Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger are confirmed for the 2017 Derby. Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto told Cincinnati.com that he is open to participating in the event if he's asked.

Votto was asked recently, but he decided to pass on the invitation.

"I was asked by Major League Baseball, and I passed," Votto told the Dayton Daily News. "I passed because it's a style of hitting that I never do. I've played every game thus far this season, and I'm concerned about two things. I'm concerned about potentially getting injured, and I'm concerned about not being able to do my very best if I can sense an injury. It's a challenging event. It's something that I'd rather save for the field and during the games."

The 2017 Home Run Derby starts at 8 p.m. July 10 at Marlins Park in Miami. It will air on ESPN.

Stanton was the 2016 Home Run Derby champion.

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has yet to toss his name into the event, despite leading Major League Baseball with 27 home runs. Bellinger tops the National League with 24 long balls. Harper is currently tied for sixth in home runs. Votto has gone yard 23 times this season, good for third place currently.