MLB Announces Single-Elimination Format for 2015 Home Run Derby

Major League Baseball has made changes to the 2015 Home Run Derby, releasing a revamped format on Sunday that will feature timed rounds, single elimination and the game's hottest sluggers in action.

MLB Communications has a detailed explanation and bracket layout of the alterations to the exciting contest that is always a mega-attraction amid All-Star festivities:    

Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds, will serve as the venue for the fascinating MLB theater. By having the league's leading home run hitters seeded in order, this year's derby will offer a true test of who the dinger king is right now.

Unfortunately, current MLB home run leader and Miami Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton was just placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a fractured left wrist. Per MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, Miami expects to be without him for four to six weeks. Last year's runner-up, Todd Frazier, is three behind Stanton with 24 homers and figures to get plenty of support from Reds fans.

Detroit Tigers standout Yoenis Cespedes is the two-time reigning champion and figures to be a favorite once again. Other notable prospective entries are breakout Washington star Bryce Harper and a resurgent Albert Pujols.

That duo, along with Stanton before he was hurt, contributed to quite a trend amid a hot month of June, per ESPN Stats & Info:

Putting batters on the clock should enhance the thrill factor in a variety of ways. Those who are competing can tack on extra time with the more homers they hit, but it could also lead to an increased inclination to press when they aren't clearing the fence.

The timer may even pull new fans in who are otherwise not as inclined to watch because of baseball's generally slower pace. The heightened sense of urgency creates an interesting, fresh dynamic suitable for the modern era.