Shohei Ohtani Eyes Home Run Derby Amid Recovery
Shohei Ohtani, the standout star known for his extraordinary abilities both on the mound and at the plate, has set his sights on participating in the upcoming Home Run Derby. Despite his recovery from elbow surgery last September, Ohtani has expressed a keen interest in joining the annual baseball spectacle.
"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," Ohtani explained, highlighting the various hurdles he needs to clear before making a definitive commitment.
This season, Ohtani's performance at the plate has been nothing short of phenomenal. Boasting a slash line of .320/.398/.634, he leads the National League with 24 home runs and a total of 196 bases. These impressive statistics only reinforce why he remains a fan favorite and a dominant force in Major League Baseball, despite not taking the mound this season.
However, Ohtani’s participation in the Home Run Derby isn't just a decision he can make independently. His involvement hinges on approvals from medical professionals, the team’s trainers, and management. Notably, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has voiced his reservations about Ohtani’s potential participation.
“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 stated, showcasing his support mixed with caution. The implication is clear: while the spectacle would benefit from Ohtani's star power, his health and recovery remain paramount.
Ohtani’s history with the Home Run Derby also adds an interesting layer to his story. In the 2021 event, he was eliminated in the first round by Juan Soto in a dramatic swing-off tiebreaker, a performance that left fans yearning to see more from the multi-talented athlete in future derbies.
The Home Run Derby has always been a platform for baseball’s most powerful hitters to showcase their skills. This year, the event will be hosted at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, July 15. With the roster of participants set to be announced within the next two weeks, the anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s possible involvement continues to build.
A Dodgers insider remarked, "Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby." This sentiment underscores the unique demands and challenges that come with the competition, even for someone of Ohtani’s caliber.
Interestingly, one notable absence from this year’s Derby will be Aaron Judge, adding another layer of intrigue to the event and perhaps increasing the desire to see Ohtani step up to the plate.
In addition to his in-season heroics, Ohtani’s popularity has been bolstered by leading the All-Star Game fan voting for National League designated hitters. His ability to draw votes and maintain fan interest speaks volumes about his impact on the game.
As the buzz intensifies around his potential participation, the baseball world watches closely. Whether or not Ohtani will take part in the Home Run Derby remains to be seen, as it hinges on those crucial approvals. However, his expressed desire and his performance metrics this season make a compelling case for why fans are eager to see him potentially electrify the Derby stage once more.