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Ben Rice Enters Home Run Derby With His Father Pitching as MLB Heads Into Volatile All‑Star Stretch

Rice’s Derby entry highlights the midsummer showcase even as recent wild scoring nights and big pitching outings are shifting team momentum and roster plans before the break.

Overview

  • Ben Rice confirmed he will participate in the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park and said his father, Dan Rice, will serve as his pitcher for the event, which will air on Netflix at 8:00 p.m. ET.
  • Rice arrives as one of the American League’s top sluggers this season with 25 home runs and a .267/.360/.565 line that supports his All‑Star and MVP candidacy.
  • Kansas City produced consecutive 15‑run games and collected 41 hits over two contests, and Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert tied a major‑league record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances.
  • Toronto’s Dylan Cease worked eight no‑hit innings before allowing a ninth‑inning single and was removed after a career‑high 118 pitches while striking out 11, underscoring current workload and usage questions for starters.
  • Detroit ace Troy Melton struck out nine over 5 1/3 strong innings and Jake Rogers homered in a bench role as the Tigers closed a long win streak, illustrating how recent one‑game swings are changing momentum and short‑term roster decisions ahead of the break.