A week after showing interest in joining the Home Run Derby, Shohei Ohtani says he probably won’t participate.
Ohtani is still recovering from elbow surgery and can’t pitch until 2025. “I’m in the middle of my rehab progression, so it’s not going to look like I’ll be participating,” Ohtani said through his interpreter, Will Ireton.
Manager Dave Roberts mentioned that if Ohtani wasn’t rehabbing, he would love to join. “In any other normal situation where he wasn’t rehabbing, I think he would love to participate,” said Roberts. “I know that it’s weighed heavy on him, but I do think the rehab process is something that ultimately makes him feel better about bowing out.”
Ohtani turns 30 this Friday and has had an amazing start with the Dodgers. In his first 83 games, he’s hit .320/.402/.646 with 27 home runs and 16 stolen bases. He’s been worth nearly 5 Wins Above Replacement so far.
Home Run Derby History
Ohtani joined the Home Run Derby once before in 2021 at Coors Field. He hit 28 home runs but lost to Juan Soto, who hit 31.
This year’s Home Run Derby will be on Monday, July 15 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. MLB announced a new format: no more head-to-head matchups in the first round. Instead, all eight players will compete together, and the top four will advance.
So far only Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles has entered the Derby field. Aaron Judge (Yankees) and Yordan Alvarez (Astros) have declined to join.
Fans might feel disappointed about Ohtani’s decision but understand it’s for his health.
What do you think? Should Ohtani focus on recovery or try to play?
