Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Won't Take Part in 2024 MLB Home Run Derby amid Injury Rehab
July 3, 2024
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani will not take part in the 2024 Home Run Derby as he continues his rehab from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
"I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani told reporters through an interpreter on Tuesday evening, per Beth Harris of the Associated Press.
Ohtani was a star hitter and pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels before leaving the Halos for the Dodgers in free agency last offseason, but he is only serving as a designated hitter this year as he rehabs from the elbow injury.
So his Derby absence seems like the prudent move to avoid a potential re-injury as he continues his sensational season (27 home runs, 64 RBI, 1.048 OPS).
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts appears on board with Ohtani sitting out the Derby.
"He signed up here to help us win a championship, and nothing should get in the way of that," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Ohtani, who is on the first season of a 10-year, $700 million deal.
"In any other normal situation where he wasn't rehabbing, I think he would love to participate. I know that it's weighed heavy on him, but I do think the rehab process is something that ultimately makes him feel better about bowing out," Roberts said.
The Dodgers have sorely needed Ohtani's production this year with the team missing seven-time All-Star Mookie Betts with a broken left hand since June 17. The initial return timeline on Betts was six-to-eight weeks, so it's possible Betts is out into August.
Losing Ohtani for any amount of time as well would be disastrous for the Dodgers, as they'd be without their top two WAR (wins above replacement) leaders. So playing it safe seems like the right move as the first-place Dodgers continue their march toward the playoffs.