PHILADELPHIA, PA — Former Philadelphia Phillies stars Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino will return to Citizens Bank Park during Major League Baseball’s All-Star festivities to captain teams in MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3, a new competition format debuting during All-Star Sunday events on July 12.
Major League Baseball announced the event will take place following the All-Star Futures Game as part of expanded fan-focused programming during All-Star Week in Philadelphia.
Howard, Rollins and Victorino will each lead a three-player team in the bracket-style competition, which combines home run hitting, defensive play and timed offensive rounds.
A fourth team will be captained by a former Phillies rival, with additional participants expected to be announced later, according to MLB.
“Phillies fans appreciate competition and entertainment, and that’s what MLBx is,” Howard stated.
The event features four teams competing in two semifinal matchups followed by a championship round, with games scheduled to last approximately 30 minutes.
Under MLBx rules, teams alternate between hitting and fielding during three-inning contests. Players earn points through home runs, defensive catches and bonus target shots positioned above the outfield fence.
Batters can also activate a “hot streak” segment during which offensive and defensive scoring is doubled for a five-swing sequence.
“MLBx is a fresh take on baseball that still highlights the skills fans love to see — power, defense and big moments,” Rollins stated.
MLB has previously tested variations of the MLBx format at Major League and Minor League stadiums as well as collegiate and international baseball events.
Victorino described the competition as “quick, competitive and built for fans to stay engaged the whole time.”
Tickets for All-Star Sunday, which includes both the Futures Game and MLBx competition, are scheduled to become available May 27 through https://www.allstargame.com.
Additional event updates are available through https://www.mlb.com/mlbx.
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