Shohei Ohtani has shown interest in participating in this summer's Home Run Derby. However, as he continues to rehabilitate from his second Tommy John surgery, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains cautious about Ohtani's potential participation this season.
“The one side of it, for him to be in the Home Run Derby, it's great for baseball, clearly,” Roberts said before the Chicago White Sox matchup on Wednesday.
Roberts told reporters via ESPN on Wednesday that he would “probably not” endorse Ohtani's participation in the Derby because of the physical exertion of the event, which would require Ohtani to endure “rounds and rounds” of swings.
“The other side of it, on the manager of the Dodgers side of it, you're trying to be more cautious and appreciating the fact that there's a lot more swings, higher intensity, you know, going through the rehab process with his elbow,” Roberts added.
Ohtani had right elbow surgery in September 2023 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels, restricting him to hitting duties this season.
Ohtani in the Home Run Derby
“I don’t know,” Ohtani remarked in Japanese after Tuesday night's 4-3 victory against the White Sox, where he launched his 24th home run of the season, leading the National League.
Ohtani has been in excellent form recently, and the Japanese superstar, who recently signed a 10-year, $700 million contract, has only taken part in a Home Run Derby once before.
He paired with slugger Juan Soto for an unforgettable first-round battle in Colorado in 2021 where he blasted 28 home runs, including two that soared over 500 feet in the high-altitude atmosphere of Coors Field. However, Soto managed 31 homers to move on to the second round.
Shohei Ohtani extended his RBI streak to a franchise-record 10 straight games after hitting a leadoff home run against the White Sox for the second consecutive night.
The Dodgers star smashed a full-count cut fastball from Erick Fedde, launching the ball over the fence in right-center field for his 25th homer of the season, leading the National League. The home run traveled 437 feet with an exit velocity of 113.9 mph.
There's still a chance
“I have to get an offer first. I’m also rehabilitating, so I need the doctor’s approval and the trainers’ approval and the team’s approval,” Ohtani continued.
Roberts noted the potential risk to Shohei Ohtani's pitching recovery if he participates in the contest. However, he stressed that he doesn't want to pressure his players and acknowledged that the ultimate decision lies with Ohtani.
Ohtani is currently leading the fan voting for the NL DH position in the All-Star Game, ensuring his presence at the event either as a starter through fan votes or through the players' vote. As of Wednesday, Ohtani boasts a batting line of .320/.398/.634 and leads the NL with 24 home runs and 196 total bases.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has announced that he will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby.
The eight participants for the Derby will be revealed within the next two weeks.
This year’s Home Run Derby is scheduled for July 15 at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, one day after the All-Star game.
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