Shohei Ohtani's Possible Home Run Derby Return: Hopes and Hurdles
Shohei Ohtani, the dual-threat sensation for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has expressed his desire to participate in the Home Run Derby next month. Despite his ambitions, Ohtani's path to the Derby is filled with significant hurdles, and his participation remains uncertain.
Ohtani, who has gained acclaim for his exceptional abilities both as a pitcher and a slugger, has been performing solely as a hitter this season. This shift in focus comes as he continues to recover from elbow surgery undergone last September. This rehabilitation adds a layer of complexity to his potential involvement in the high-intensity 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,” Ohtani explained. “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.”
The decision for Ohtani to join the Home Run Derby does not rest solely on his physical readiness. He must also secure approvals from various stakeholders, including medical professionals, trainers, and Dodgers management. Given his current rehabilitation status, every step must be cautiously measured to ensure it aligns with his recovery protocol.
The manager of the Dodgers, Dave Roberts, has voiced his reservations about Ohtani's participation. "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 commented, reflecting a blend of concern for Ohtani's health and acknowledgment of his star power.
An insider from the Dodgers organization succinctly noted, “Hitting in games is different from hitting in a Home Run Derby.” This distinction underscores the unique demands of the Derby, which could impact Ohtani differently from regular gameplay.
Reflecting on his current performance, Ohtani's statistics this season are nothing short of impressive. As of now, he is hitting .320/.398/.634, leading the National League with 24 home runs and tallying 196 total bases. This exceptional performance has not gone unnoticed; he currently leads the All-Star Game fan-voting for NL designated hitters.
In light of these achievements, his potential participation in the Home Run Derby garners significant interest. Fans vividly remember his 2021 Home Run Derby run, where he was eliminated by Juan Soto in a swing-off tiebreaker during the first round. His return could offer an opportunity for redemption and showcase his slugging prowess on one of baseball’s biggest stages.
With the roster of participants for the Home Run Derby expected to be announced within the next two weeks, the anticipation surrounding Ohtani's decision continues to build. This year’s event will be held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, July 15. Notably, Aaron Judge, another prominent figure in baseball, has confirmed that he will not be participating this year, potentially spotlighting Ohtani even further should he decide to join.
Ohtani's situation presents a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by professional athletes balancing personal ambition with team-oriented goals and long-term health considerations. As fans and experts await the final decision, Ohtani's journey remains a focal point of excitement and intrigue in the lead-up to this summer's marquee baseball event.