Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Dodgers, has confirmed that he wants to leave the team.

It looks like Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers will not be participating in the Home Run Derby after all. Ohtani had previously indicated that he would like to participate in the derby this year; but, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that Ohtani will make the final decision. He suffered a torn UCL last year, thus he is currently in the middle of his recovery and pitching development, so he won’t be competing in the event.

Through interpreter Will Ireton, Ohtani stated, “There have been some conversations going on.” It won’t look like I’ll be participating because I’m in the middle of my elbow rehabilitation.

Ohtani and the Dodgers made this choice in an effort to reduce the possibility that Ohtani would get hurt or that it would hinder his improvement throughout the derby. Roberts stated, “He signed up to play for the Dodgers and to take care of himself the best way he can. He is going through rehab and his job.” And for that reason, I believe he would be thrilled to take part in any other typical circumstance, devoid of rehabilitation. It would be quite disappointing for Shohei, the Dodgers, and the fans if something untoward occurred during something like that, especially when you consider how special and intense the volume of swings is.