Shohei Ohtani's Uncertain Journey to the Home Run Derby
Shohei Ohtani, the star player renowned for his dual capabilities as a pitcher and a slugger, has signaled his interest in participating in the upcoming Home Run Derby. However, his path to the competition is fraught with approvals and reservations.
Currently a key figure for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani's season has been marked by his dedicated recovery from elbow surgery he underwent last September. In light of his ongoing rehabilitation, he has focused solely on hitting this season. This hasn’t stopped him from delivering an impressive performance, boasting a .320/.398/.634 batting line. He leads the National League with 24 home runs and an astounding 196 total bases.
In a recent statement, Ohtani shared his mixed feelings and the hurdles he faces to join the iconic event. "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," he commented.
The Home Run Derby is scheduled to take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, July 15, in 2024. The anticipation and fan excitement around the event are palpable, especially with news emerging that Aaron Judge will not be participating this year, raising the stakes for other big names like Ohtani.
Despite his enthusiasm, Ohtani's manager, Dave Roberts, has openly expressed his reservations about the slugger participating. "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 remarked.
While fans eagerly await the roster announcement for this year's Derby participants, which will be revealed within the next two weeks, the decision regarding Ohtani's participation remains uncertain. The additional burden and the potential risk associated with the high-energy competition are not lost on those close to the player. One Dodgers insider succinctly put it, "Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby."
Ohtani's past experience in the Home Run Derby also adds to the intrigue. In 2021, he was a formidable competitor but was eliminated in the first round by Juan Soto in a thrilling swing-off tiebreaker. This year, he aims to go further, bringing his remarkable hitting prowess to a grander stage.
Behind the scenes, numerous approvals must be secured for Ohtani to don his batting gloves at the Derby. The decision will hinge on comprehensive assessments from his doctors, trainers, and the Dodgers' team management, aligning his health and recovery status with the demands of the competition.
Ohtani's journey has captivated baseball fans globally, and his potential appearance at the Home Run Derby would undoubtedly draw immense attention, further cementing his status as an icon of the sport. As the announcement date approaches, the baseball community watches closely, hoping to see one of its brightest stars shine even brighter on one of its biggest stages.