Better to be safe than sorry.
As Major League Baseball’s All-Star break draws near, excitement builds around the potential spectacle of Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani showcasing his power at the Home Run Derby.
While fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling performance, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts harbors reservations about his star player’s participation in the event.
In a conversation with reporters before the Dodgers’ recent 4-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox, Roberts expressed his concerns, as reported by ESPN.
He emphasized that, although Ohtani’s participation would undoubtedly be a boon for baseball’s popularity and the event’s excitement, the intense nature of the Derby could pose risks. Roberts pointed out the “rounds and rounds” of high-intensity swings involved in the Derby, which could potentially interfere with Ohtani’s ongoing rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery—an intricate elbow procedure he underwent last September while still with the Los Angeles Angels.
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The surgery has confined Ohtani to a hitting-only role this season, with plans for him to resume pitching duties in 2025. Despite this limitation, Ohtani has continued to excel as a formidable hitter, leading the majors with a .322 batting average and achieving his 25th home run of the season, the most in the National League, during Wednesday’s game.
Ohtani himself is torn about participating in the Home Run Derby.
Having experienced the Derby once before in 2021—where he was memorably eliminated in the first round after a dramatic swing-off with Juan Soto—he confessed to harboring a desire to compete again. “I have feelings of wanting to do it,” Ohtani admitted to the media on Tuesday, indicating his mixed emotions about the event. He reiterated his sentiment the following day, adding, “It hasn’t really changed much since yesterday. It’s something I have to talk to a lot of people about and make a decision.”
This internal conflict highlights Ohtani’s commitment to his sport and his understanding of the pressures and risks involved. As the All-Star break approaches, the decision whether or not Ohtani will participate in the Home Run Derby remains a topic of significant interest and discussion among fans, his team, and the media.
