Shohei Ohtani Eyes Home Run Derby Amid Injury Recovery
Shohei Ohtani, the dual-threat sensation of Major League Baseball, has expressed his interest in participating in the Home Run Derby next month. Ohtani, a star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been recovering from elbow surgery he underwent last September. So far this season, he has only been serving as a hitter, yet he has still managed to post impressive numbers. Ohtani is currently hitting .320/.398/.634 and leads the National League with 24 home runs and 196 total bases.
His desire to compete in the Home Run Derby, however, comes with several prerequisites. "I have to get an offer (to participate) first. I'm also rehabilitating, so I need the doctor's approval, the trainers' approval, and the team's approval," Ohtani mentioned. "Of course, I have feelings of wanting to do it. I think any player would. I think it depends on how it lines up with the other parts."
Approval from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is one of the significant hurdles. Roberts has openly expressed reservations about Ohtani participating in the event. "I'd probably not want him to do it," Roberts admitted candidly. "But I'll support him no matter what he decides to do. For the game, I think it's great ... Obviously, he's the biggest star in the game, and it makes (the Home Run Derby) more attractive."
Indeed, Ohtani has consistently dazzled fans with his dual capabilities as both a pitcher and a slugger. Regarded as one of the most electrifying players in the game today, his involvement could significantly heighten the appeal of the Home Run Derby. Despite his current focus on hitting, Ohtani's prowess is unquestionable, evidenced by his leading the fan-voting for National League designated hitters for the All-Star Game.
Nevertheless, the decision is far from straightforward. A Dodgers insider noted, "Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby." The Derby's unique demands—swinging for the fences repeatedly in a short amount of time—pose different physical challenges compared to a regulation game. This makes the approvals from medical and training staff crucial for safeguarding Ohtani's ongoing recovery.
Fans who remember the 2021 Home Run Derby will recall that Ohtani's stint was cut short in a dramatic fashion. He was eliminated in the first round by Juan Soto through a swing-off tiebreaker, a thrilling yet exhausting episode that demonstrated the intense nature of the competition.
The lineup of participants for this year's Home Run Derby, scheduled to take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, July 15, will be announced within the next two weeks. One notable absence will be Aaron Judge, who has confirmed he will not be participating in this year's competition. This increases the spotlight on Ohtani even further, placing additional intrigue on whether he will take part.
As the date approaches, much hinges on the series of approvals Ohtani must secure. The baseball world waits with bated breath to see whether one of its brightest stars will step into the national spotlight once again, swinging for the fences and aiming to add another accolade to an already stellar career.