Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ eminent star, has decided not to participate in the 2024 Home Run Derby, raising disappointment among fans and league officials. The announcement came especially as a letdown after Aaron Judge, another fan favorite, confirmed his absence from the event earlier.

Speaking through a translator after a game on Tuesday evening, Ohtani cited his ongoing rehabilitation as the primary reason for his decision. “I’m in the middle of my rehab progression, so it’s not going to look like I’ll be participating,” he explained, as reported by AP News.

Dodgers Manager Dave in response to Ohtani’s decision to skip the Home Run Derby supported his commitment to full recovery. “He signed up here to help us win a championship and nothing should get in the way of that,” Roberts said.

He further empathized with Ohtani, noting that while the player would have been enthusiastic about participating under normal circumstances, prioritizing his rehab was a responsible choice. “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 added.

Roberts also highlighted the broader implications of Ohtanu’s decision, emphasizing that the burden of promoting the sport should not fall on him alone. “It’s just not [Ohtani’s] responsibility alone to carry the game of baseball. He does it on a daily basis,” he remarked.

Given his electrifying performances and significant fan base, Ohtani’s absence from the Home Run Derby is undoubtedly a blow to the event’s spectacle and attraction. Nonetheless, fans will be hoping for his quick and successful rehabilitation, paving the way for more thrilling displays in the future.