Although Shohei Ohtani turned down an opportunity to participate in the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby, the Los Angeles Dodgers will still be represented by Teoscar Hernández.
The 31-year-old is competing in the event for the first time in his career. He leads all National League outfielders this season with 19 home runs, but has not hit one since July 3.
It marks a second consecutive year that a Dodgers player will participate in the Home Run Derby. Mookie Betts took swings in last year’s event and had first base coach Clayton McCullough throw to him.
Hernández explained why he will be having Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel pitch to him on Monday at Globe Life Field, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“He has experience in it,” Hernandez said of the choice. “I saw what he did with Pederson a couple years ago and he threw before to Pujols and all those guys and Vlad back in the day, a little while ago. He knows how to do it, he has experience and I think he’s the best one because he’s going to control the emotions and all those things.”
Ebel has thrown in a Home Run Derby on four occasions, including most recently in 2019 to Joc Pederson. He most notably pitched to Vladimir Guerrero Sr. in 2007 during his stint with the Los Angeles Angels.
Prior to the Dodgers facing the Detroit Tigers on Saturday afternoon, Hernández resumed Home Run Derby preparations with Ebel. It represented the second day Hernández and Ebel went through the practice of taking swings.
Teoscar Hernández latest Dodgers player to participate in Home Run Derby
In addition to Hernández, Betts and Pederson, recent Dodgers to participate include Max Muncy (2018), Cody Bellinger (2017), Corey Seager (2016), Yasiel Puig (2014) and Matt Kemp (2011-12).
Prior to that, Hee-Seio Choi (2005), Raúl Mondesí (1995) and Mike Piazza (1993-94) were the only Dodgers to participate.
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!
