Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has been on a tear as of late, surprising nobody, but Angels manager Phil Nevin had some interesting comments regarding whether or not Shohei Ohtani will participate in the 2023 Home Run Derby.

“I think he's already said no to the derby,” Phil Nevin said, via Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group. “I don't know if he has or not. That would be one that I feel like takes a lot out of guys… It's fun to watch and all that but I've just seen a lot of guys not bounce back from that very well. So whether he does not, I mean, full support of him. I know he's gonna be fine and take care of his body. It's just those are some of the things that make me nervous. That's all.”

Ohtani has participated in the Home Run Derby before, and it was in the 2021 season when the All-Star Game was in Colorado. He lost to Juan Soto, who was with the Washington Nationals at the time, in the first round of the tournament.

Article Continues Below
Related Los Angeles Angels News
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·
Detailed view of the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
Team USA flag football star blasts idea of NFL players in 2028 OlympicsBenedetto Vitale ·
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) exits the field after losing 24-17 to the New York Jets in their home opener.
Steelers rumors: NFL analyst suggests Will Levis trade with TitansBenjamin Adducchio ·
Broadcaster Jim Nantz introduces players Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, during the “Night of Champions” at the Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre.
Jim Nantz makes bold Chiefs-Cowboys NFL Thanksgiving predictionBenjamin Adducchio ·
Iowa State wideout and Houston Texans 2025 NFL Draft pick Jayden Higgins (WO18) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
NFL rumors: Texans, Browns the reason 2025 NFL Draft second-round picks aren’t signingTim Crean ·

Of course, Ohtani went on to win the MVP that season, so participating did not seem to impact him much, if at all. He did not participate in 2022 at Dodger Stadium.

This time around the Angels are in the playoff hunt, so there is more at risk for Ohtani participating in the 2023 Home Run Derby. Fans would love to see Ohtani participate, but it seems that might not happen this year.