Shohei Ohtani, the National League leader in home runs who also threw a 101.7 mph pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers last week, spoke on potentially participating in the Home Run Derby.
Due to the nature of the rapid-fire home runs and timed rounds that would lead to possible over-exertion for someone recovering from a second Tommy John procedure and an offseason labrum surgery, the three-time MVP didn’t sound appear interested in participating.
“With the current rules in place, I don’t think it’s feasible for me to compete well,” Ohtani said.
As things stand, the Home Run Derby has the first two rounds lasting three minutes, and the final round lasting just two minutes.