Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stepped up after local media and fans criticized Shohei Ohtani's decision not to attend the home run derby.

Ohtani said on the 3rd (Korea Standard Time), "I think it will be difficult to participate in the home run derby because I am currently in the process of rehabilitation."

Ohtani has not participated in the All-Star Game home run derby event since 2021 when he was with the Los Angeles Angels.

Ohtani underwent Tommy John Surgery meant to link tendon in his elbow in September last year, and this season, he is not playing as a pitcher but is focusing only on hitting. Ohtani has a batting average of 0.320, 27 homers and 64 RBIs.메이저사이트

As a result, baseball fans expressed regret over Ohtani's absence from the Home Run Derby. In the case of the Los Angeles Times, if Ohtani fails to make it, it raised the level of criticism to cancel the Home Run Derby.

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who is leading the MLB with 32 home runs, will not participate in the home run derby.

Judge has not participated in an event since winning the 2017 Home Run Derby as a rookie.

However, both local fans and the media have not criticized Judge for making the same decision as Ohtani.

In response, Roberts defended, "It can be dangerous if Ohtani, who is in regular rehabilitation, is exposed to exceptional situations such as home run derby," adding, "It's not just Ohtani's responsibility to carry MLB."

Meanwhile, the MLB All-Star Game this season will be held at Globe Life Field, the home stadium of the Texas Rangers, on the 17th.