Shohei Ohtani is the most recognizable active figure in Major League Baseball, and in his first season in Los Angeles, living up to the preseason hype.
Ohtani’s been 91% better than league average on offense, hitting .320/.402/.646 with a National League leading 27 home runs. That production’s been worth a jaw-dropping 42 runs on offense, and with an injury to teammate Mookie Betts, made Ohtani the runaway MVP favorite. Again.
Sounds like the perfect candidate to participate in MLB’s upcoming home run derby event in Texas, right? Well Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Ohtani himself threw cold water on hopes that he’d be part of the league’s most important midseason showcase.
Los Angeles Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani celebrates a two-run homer with SS Mookie Betts at Dodger Stadium. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Shohei Ohtani Won’t Be Part Of Home Run Derby Due To Arm Rehab
After Tuesday’s 6-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, where Ohtani launched a massive, 112-mph home run, he spoke to the media and was asked whether or not he’d be one of the Home Run Derby participants.
“I’m in the middle of my rehab progression, so it’s not going to look like I’ll be participating,” Ohtani said through his interpreter.
Dave Roberts backed him by saying nothing should get in the way of the ultimate goal for the season.
“He signed up here to help us win a championship, and nothing should get in the way of that,” Roberts said.
“In any other normal situation where he wasn’t rehabbing, I think he would love to participate. I know that it’s weighed heavy on him, but I do think the rehab process is something that ultimately makes him feel better about bowing out,” Roberts continued.
“When you’re playing every day alongside the rehab it’s very regimented, so when you have an outlier situation as far as a Home Run Derby, that’s something that one is prepared for,” Roberts concluded. “It would just be a real disappointment for not only Shohei, the Dodgers and also the fans if something were to happen during something like that, which is an exhibition essentially.”
It’s unclear if Ohtani’s rehab will also get in the way of participating in the All-Star Game, where he’s expected to be named a starter. And the reasons are eminently reasonable; his health is vital to both his future and to the Dodgers’ fortunes this season. But it’s still disappointing to see one of baseball’s best power hitters not involved in the most fun event of the season.
