The 2024 MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night will showcase some of the league’s top sluggers, but fans will undoubtedly miss the presence of Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way sensation, Shohei Ohtani.
Known for his incredible power at the plate, Ohtani has opted out of this year’s competition to focus on his recovery from elbow surgery.
Ohtani, who is serving as a batter for the Dodgers this season and won’t be pitching again until 2025, spoke to reporters on Monday about his decision. He cited load management as the primary reason for his absence from the Home Run Derby.
Since undergoing elbow surgery in 2023, Ohtani has been carefully managing his swing count during batting practice and warmups to avoid any setbacks in his recovery.
Participating in the Home Run Derby, which demands a high volume of powerful swings, would counteract his current recovery strategy.
However, Ohtani hinted that he might reconsider participating in next year’s Home Run Derby, provided he is fully recovered and can return to his two-way player status, as reported by Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
RELATED: Shohei Ohtani Reportedly Making Big Change Following Home Purchase in Los Angeles
Despite his limited appearances in the Derby, Ohtani remains one of baseball’s most prolific power hitters. His only participation in the event was in 2021 at Coors Field, where he made a first-round exit.
This year, Ohtani is having another stellar season, slugging .635 with 29 home runs, placing him second in both categories behind New York Yankees star Aaron Judge.
Though he won’t be sending baseballs flying into the seats at Globe Life Field this Monday night, Ohtani left the door open for future participation in the Home Run Derby once he is back to full health. The anticipation for his return to the event will surely build as fans look forward to seeing one of the game’s most exciting talents back in action.
Ohtani’s commitment to his recovery and careful management of his workload demonstrates his dedication to returning to peak form. As he continues to rehabilitate and prepare for the 2025 season, baseball fans around the world will eagerly await the day when he can again showcase his extraordinary skills as both a pitcher and a hitter.