Christian Yelich out of Home Run Derby with Injury, Replaced by Matt Chapman

Major League Baseball announced Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, who entered Sunday as the league leader with 31 homers, has dropped out of Monday's 2019 MLB Home Run Derby because of a back injury.

Yelich apologized to fans on Twitter:

Yelich will be replaced by Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman.

The reigning National League MVP had downplayed concerns taking part in the event could impact his swing during the season's second half.

"Basically, Home Run Derby is batting practice," Yelich told reporters Thursday. "It's just trying to hit home runs with every swing. I'm not worried in the slightest about a swing change or it ruining my swing. Anybody that's educated in the manner understands it's going to be just fine."

He was previously sidelined by back spasms in May.

Meanwhile, Chapman entered the day tied for sixth in the American League with 21 homers.

It's unclear whether he'll merely replace Yelich as the top seed in the previously announced bracket for a matchup with Toronto Blue Jays rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or if the bracket will get reworked.

The other six participants are the New York Mets' Pete Alonso, Pittsburgh Pirates' Josh Bell, Houston Astros' Alex Bregman, Los Angeles Dodgers' Joc Pederson, Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. and Cleveland Indians' Carlos Santana.

Progressive Field in Cleveland will host the Home Run Derby starting at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.