The LA Times reported on the 27th (Korea time) that Otani expressed interest in participating in the home run derby, but the Dodgers seem reluctant to do so.
After hitting his 24th homer of this season in a game against the Chicago White Sox the previous day, Ohtani said, “I don’t know. I need to get an offer first. I need approval from my doctor, trainer and team because I’m in rehabilitation.”
He added, “Of course, I want to do it. All players will do that. It depends on how you coordinate with other players.” 안전 슬롯사이트
Ohtani, who made his MLB debut in 2018, was named an All-Star for three consecutive years from 2021 to last year. He participated in the home run derby of the All-Star Game only in 2021, when he lost to Juan Soto of the New York Yankees 28-31 in the first round.
Whether Ohtani will participate this year remains uncertain. He still has the aftermath of his elbow surgery in September last year. Still undergoing rehabilitation, Ohtani stopped playing as both a pitcher and a batter.
The home run derby, which requires consecutive strong swings to send the ball out of the fence for a given time, may be a burden to Ohtani, who has yet to recover 100% of his body.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Ohtani’s participation in the home run derby as “a star who can make the All-Star game more interesting,” but added, “Considering the physical burden, I don’t want him to participate. I think it’s up to the player.”
The club and its manager are reluctant to do so, but Ohtani’s participation could heat up the home run derby for the All Star game. Ohtani reported his 25th home run of this season by hitting a home run off starting pitcher Eric Peddy in the first inning against the White Sox. He continued to lead the team in homers in the National League.
Meanwhile, this season’s MLB All-Star game will be held at Globe Life Field, the home stadium of the Texas Rangers, on July 17. The home run derby will be held on June 16, a day earlier.