Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese sensation who leads the majors in home runs scored with 27 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will not be taking part in the Home Run Derby on July 15.

Ohtani has only participated in the Derby once, losing at Coors Field in Denver in the first round in 2021. The tournament is being held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, this year.

Through a translator, he stated on Tuesday night, “I’m in the middle of my rehab progression, so it’s not going to look like I’ll be participating.”

Ohtani is not pitching this season; instead, he is just batting while healing from an injured elbow ligament. Before accepting a $700 million, ten-year contract with the Dodgers in December, he underwent surgery in September.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated, “He came here to help us win a championship and nothing should stand in the way of that.”

If it were any other typical circumstance and he wasn’t in recovery, I believe he would be thrilled to take part. Roberts stated, “I know it’s weighed heavily on him, but I do believe that in the end, the rehab process helps him feel better about bowing out.”

Tuesday night, in the seventh inning of the Dodgers’ 6-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ohtani launched a two-run homer that went 433 feet to right-center. With a major league-high 32 home runs this season, Aaron Judge, the slugger for the New York Yankees, leads the field in scoring.

Against the D-backs, Ohtani finished 3 for 5 with two runs and two RBIs. He is striking.Since Mookie Betts hurt his hand on June 16, 380 has been in the leadoff position.

Roberts claimed that rather than being concerned about Ohtani getting harmed, the Derby was more interested in interfering with his recovery.

“Playing every day while undergoing rehabilitation is highly structured, so one is ready for an exceptional circumstance like a Home Run Derby,” he stated. “Anything like that happening, which is basically an exhibition, would be a huge disappointment for Shohei, the Dodgers, and the fans alike.”

With six home runs of at least 500 feet in the 2021 Derby, Ohtani broke the record. During his time with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and 2022, he became the first player to be chosen as an All-Star in both the position player and pitcher categories.

Roberts stated, “It’s just not his job to carry the game of baseball alone.” “He does that every day.”