Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani reveals why he’s skipping the Home Run Derby
Shohei Ohtani will not be doing the Home Run Derby in 2024, though he had expressed interest in the event last week.
Ohtani admitted Tuesday that he would not take part in the event this year at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The Los Angeles Dodgers star cited his rehab efforts as the biggest reason.
“I’m in the middle of my rehab progression, so it’s not going to look like I’ll be participating,” Ohtani said through a translator, via Beth Harris of The Associated Press.
Ohtani can hit just fine, as is evidenced by his 27 home runs. However, he is still rehabbing after offseason elbow surgery that has kept him from pitching this season. Obviously, Ohtani and the Dodgers both had some concerns about whether a lot of swinging would be detrimental to those rehab efforts. Fatigue was also cited as a factor on the Dodgers’ side.
Baltimore Orioles slugger Gunnar Henderson is, to date, the only confirmed participant for the 2024 event. Ohtani and Aaron Judge would easily be the biggest draws, but unfortunately, neither will be taking part this year.
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Christian Walker continues his streak of home runs at Dodger Stadium, contributing to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 9-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers
Christian Walker continued his impressive performance at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night, hitting home runs in his first two turns at bat. These were his 18th and 19th home runs in the 42 games he has played at the ballpark. The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-3.
“It’s just unbelievable,” Walker said. “I’m really at a loss for words.” The Dodgers, who lead the NL West, now have a 4-5 record against the Diamondbacks this season. They won’t face Arizona again in Los Angeles until the postseason, if at all. Arizona caused an upset against the Dodgers in last year’s playoffs.
