Shohei Ohtani, the standout star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has indicated a keen interest in participating in the upcoming Home Run Derby next month—a competition that captures the essence of power hitting in Major League Baseball. However, as with many aspects of a star athlete's career, there are several hurdles to overcome before the fans can witness Ohtani's prodigious swing on the grand stage of the Derby.
A Desire to Compete
Ohtani, who is renowned for his exceptional dual abilities as both a pitcher and a slugger, has expressed his willingness to join the Home Run Derby. "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. His comments underscore the complexities involved in his potential participation, particularly given his current rehabilitation from elbow surgery last September.
Road to Recovery
This season, Ohtani has limited himself to batting as part of his recovery process. His statistics, however, remain nothing short of remarkable. With a batting average of .320/.398/.634, he leads the National League with 24 home runs and an impressive 196 total bases. These numbers reinforce why Ohtani is a fan-favorite and an asset to the Dodgers, despite the cautious approach to his health and game participation.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has voiced his reservations regarding Ohtani’s involvement in the Derby. "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. The manager's comments reflect a delicate balance between supporting Ohtani's aspirations and ensuring his physical well-being for the longer term.
The Doctor's Orders
For Ohtani to step up to the plate in the Derby, a series of approvals is required. This includes getting the green light from his doctors, trainers, and the team. Given his ongoing rehabilitation, each approval carries significant weight and could determine not just his participation in the Derby, but also his future performance and health.
The Dodgers insider succinctly highlighted a crucial point when comparing the Home Run Derby to regular-season games: "Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby." This distinction is critical for someone recovering from a significant injury, as the high-intensity and repetitive strain of a Derby can be markedly different from game conditions.
Looking Back and Ahead
Ohtani's previous appearance in the 2021 Home Run Derby saw him put on an electrifying display, although he was dramatically eliminated in the first round by Juan Soto in a swing-off tiebreaker. His involvement in that year's Derby underscored his capacity for thrilling performances, and fans are undoubtedly eager for a possible encore.
His star power is also reflected in the All-Star Game fan-voting, where Ohtani has been leading the tally for NL designated hitters. This broad support emphasizes the significant fan base and admiration Ohtani commands, pushing for his participation in events like the Home Run Derby.
Upcoming Announcements
The roster for the Home Run Derby will be announced within the next two weeks, and anticipation is building as to whether Ohtani will be among the lineup. The event is set to take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, July 15. On a notable side note, it's confirmed that Aaron Judge will not participate in this year's competition, potentially making Ohtani's inclusion all the more eagerly anticipated by fans and the baseball community alike.
As the date approaches, the final decision on Ohtani's participation will hinge on his medical clearances and overall physical readiness. Until then, the baseball world watches with keen interest, hoping to see one of its brightest stars shine once again in a showcase of pure, unbridled power hitting.