Shohei Ohtani has decided not to join the Home Run Derby on July 15, even though he’s hit 27 home runs this season, ranking second in the majors. He participated once before in 2021 but didn’t advance past the first round. This year’s event will be at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
“I’m still in the middle of my rehab, so it looks like I won’t be able to participate,” Ohtani said through a translator on Tuesday night.
This season, Ohtani is focusing solely on batting due to an elbow injury. He underwent surgery last September before signing a $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December.
“He came here to help us win a championship, and nothing should distract from that,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“In a different situation, if he wasn’t rehabbing, I think he would love to participate. It’s been on his mind, but he feels it’s best to focus on his rehab,” Roberts added.
On Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ohtani hit a two-run home run that traveled 433 feet to right-center in the seventh inning of the Dodgers’ 6-5 victory. He’s second in home runs this season behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who has 32.
Ohtani had a strong game against the D-backs, going 3 for 5 with two runs and two RBIs. He’s been batting .380 since June 16, when Mookie Betts injured his hand and Ohtani moved to the leadoff spot.
Roberts explained that Ohtani’s decision not to participate in the Home Run Derby is more about protecting his rehab process than concerns about getting injured.
“When you’re in a daily routine of rehab, any deviation like a Home Run Derby can disrupt that. We’d be disappointed if something happened during an exhibition like that,” Roberts said.
