Shohei Ohtani Eyes Home Run Derby Amid Rehabilitation
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation from the Los Angeles Dodgers, has sparked excitement with his expressed interest in participating in the upcoming Home Run Derby. Ohtani’s dual prowess, both on the mound and at the plate, has made him a marquee player in Major League Baseball. This season, due to recovery from elbow surgery last September, the star has been excelling as a hitter, putting up impressive numbers that highlight his dominance in the batter's box.
Ohtani is hitting a remarkable .320/.398/.634, underscoring his offensive capabilities while primarily focusing on his role as a slugger. He leads the National League with 24 home runs and 196 total bases, further cementing his elite status. Despite his formidable statistics, participating in the Home Run Derby is no simple decision. Ohtani himself acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting, "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. 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."
The road to the Home Run Derby will require multiple endorsements, not just from the doctors overseeing his rehabilitation, but also from his trainers and the Dodgers’ management. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has expressed some reservations regarding Ohtani’s participation in the event. "I'd probably not want him to do it, 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." Roberts' sentiments reflect the balancing act between ensuring a player’s health and contributing to the excitement of the sport.
Ohtani's previous foray into the Home Run Derby, during the 2021 competition, ended in the first round after a swing-off tiebreaker against Juan Soto. This year's Derby, set to be hosted at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on July 15, offers yet another stage for Ohtani to display his prodigious talent. It’s a stage made all the more compelling by his candidacy, though it will ultimately hinge on the forthcoming approvals and his ongoing rehabilitation progress.
The anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s potential participation also stirs memories of the buzz he generated back in 2021. Despite falling short in the first round, his mere presence amplified the event's allure, an effect likely to repeat if he steps up to the plate this July. A Dodgers insider succinctly framed the challenge ahead: "Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby," a sentiment echoing the unique endurance and explosive power required for the Derby.
As the roster of participants for the Home Run Derby looms, with an announcement expected within the next two weeks, Ohtani's decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Bolstering this year’s competition would be an appearance by Aaron Judge, but it's confirmed that the Yankees slugger will not partake in this year’s Derby. This raises Ohtani’s stakes, as he might step in as one of the event’s leading attractions.
His dominance in the sport has also been reflected in the All-Star Game fan-voting, where he leads for the National League designated hitters. This fan enthusiasm encapsulates just how pivotal Ohtani is to the contemporary baseball narrative. Whether he will grace the Derby with his talent is a story still unfolding, one peppered with the optimism of fans and the cautious optimism of the Dodgers' hierarchy.