Shohei Ohtani, the dynamic two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has hinted at his desire to participate in next month's Home Run Derby. Known for his remarkable talents both on the mound and at the plate, Ohtani has expressed enthusiasm, but hurdles remain before he can confirm his participation.
This season, Ohtani has been limited to hitting only, as he recuperates from elbow surgery performed last September. Despite this, he has maintained an impressive .320/.398/.634 slash line, leading the National League with 24 home runs and 196 total bases. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he leads the All-Star Game fan-voting for NL designated hitters.
Approvals and Reservations
Ohtani's participation in the Home Run Derby is not yet assured. "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 stated.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has voiced his own reservations regarding Ohtani's 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 said. The manager's trepidation is understandable, given the potential strain on Ohtani's recovery process.
Concerns also stem from the stark difference between regular game play and the intensive spectacle of a Home Run Derby. A Dodgers insider emphasized, "Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby."
Heritage and Prospects
Ohtani's history with the Home Run Derby includes a first-round elimination in 2021, where he bowed out to Juan Soto in a swing-off tiebreaker. This past experience underscores the challenges and unpredictability of the event, even for a player of Ohtani's caliber.
As the 2024 Home Run Derby roster of participants will be announced within the next two weeks, all eyes are on Ohtani's status, hopeful for confirmation. This year's competition will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, July 15. Notably absent from this year's lineup is Aaron Judge, adding even more intrigue to Ohtani's potential involvement.
While Ohtani himself is eager and the fans are hopeful, the final call will hinge on several critical approvals to ensure his health is not compromised. As the date approaches, the anticipation builds around whether Ohtani will bring his talent to one of baseball's most electrifying events.