Despite all the lofty expectations, Shohei Ohtani might have somehow found a way to be better than advertised in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He has twice been named National League Player Of The Week, with his last one coming this past week.
In his past seven games he has hit .391/.531/1.087 with five home runs, including back-to-back games with a leadoff homer that helped him break a Dodgers record for RBI in consecutive games.
In fact, he has really been flexing his muscles at the plate lately with 10 of his 25 homers coming in the past 15 games. As one of the baseball’s brightest stars and one of its best power hitters, it brings up the question of whether or not he will participate in this year’s Home Run Derby.
It is something that Ohtani is very interested in, but it is complicated by his ongoing rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery, via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“I have to get an offer first. I’m also rehabilitating, so I need the doctor’s approval and the trainers’ approval and the team’s approval.
“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.”
Ohtani’s inclusion in the derby would undoubtedly be the best outcome for the sport, but the Dodgers and Ohtani have to do what they feel is the best decision for the team and their goal to win a World Series this season.
If he does make an appearance in the competition, it will certainly be quite the sight to behold.
Ohtani currently has the longest home run in the Majors this season with his 476 foot blast on June 18 against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. His 464 foot home run on May 5 against the Atlanta Braves is tied for the eighth longest in MLB this season.
Shohei Ohtani’s experience with the Home Run Derby
If Ohtani does compete in the derby this year, it would be the second time being in the competition. His first experience in the Home Run Derby was in 2021 when he lost in the first round against Juan Soto.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
