LOS ANGELES — The Home Run Derby will see a new champion this year as Teoscar Hernandez, last year’s winner, has decided not to participate in the upcoming event. The Dodgers outfielder announced his decision citing health concerns ahead of the July 14 event in Atlanta.
“No, I’m not going to do it,” Hernandez stated, explaining that the physical toll from last year’s competition left him with tightness and soreness in his upper legs. “This year, I had the injury over there. I don’t want to risk it. So just don’t do it. Be ready for the season, be part of the team and not get hurt doing the derby.”
Hernandez missed two weeks in May due to a strained adductor muscle in his left leg. The Home Run Derby, known for its demanding format requiring maximum-effort swings in timed rounds, poses a significant physical challenge. “It is,” Hernandez said, acknowledging the potential for injury. “I wasn’t tired at the end or the next day. But I was really sore. I think if your body is not ready, 100 percent, it can cost you an injury. So I don’t want to risk it. I’d rather be healthy and be playing the regular season.”
Impact on the Dodgers
Hernandez’s decision underscores the importance of player health over individual accolades. His teammate, Shohei Ohtani, also opted out despite leading the National League with 29 home runs. Ohtani, recovering from Tommy John surgery, prioritizes his health and availability for the team over participating in the Derby.
“He’s coming back from Tommy John, trying to be healthy for the team, be healthy all year, trying to pitch for the team. So I don’t think he’s going to do it,” Hernandez commented on Ohtani’s decision.
Hernandez was having a standout season, batting .315 with a .933 OPS and leading the majors with 34 RBIs before his injury in May. However, since returning, he has struggled, hitting just .206 with a .626 OPS in 36 games. Despite the slump, Hernandez remains optimistic about his recovery and performance.
“It’s more about timing,” he said. “My body feels 100 percent from the injury or any other part of my body. It’s just hard to make adjustments during the season, injuries or not. Just credit to the pitchers.”
Upcoming Dodgers Games and Player Updates
Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani is set to make his next pitching start on Saturday, coinciding with his 31st birthday. Ohtani will team up with left-hander Justin Wrobleski in a ‘bulk’ role. Right-hander Ben Casparius, who previously followed Ohtani, will pitch on Friday.
Sunday’s starter against the Houston Astros remains undecided, though right-hander Emmet Sheehan is a potential candidate. Sheehan recently delivered an impressive performance for Triple-A Oklahoma City, pitching six perfect innings and striking out 13 batters.
In other team news, shortstop Mookie Betts was given a day off to address a prolonged slump. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described it as “probably more of a mental day” for Betts, who has been struggling offensively.
“I just can’t see that you go out there and stick him in right field tonight and he’s going to throw out two hits or three hits, or he goes to second base and he’s going to go on a heater,” Roberts said. “That’s hard for me to kind of imagine, but it’s a fair ask. I just don’t see that as the case.”
Injury Updates and Future Prospects
Right-hander Michael Kopech returned to the injured list with right knee inflammation, receiving an injection for treatment. Will Klein has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill Kopech’s roster spot.
Looking ahead, Dodgers prospects Josue DePaula and Zyhir Hope have been selected for the All-Star Futures Game on July 12. Both players have showcased impressive performances at Class-A Great Lakes, earning them spots on the National League team.
Additionally, veteran catcher Austin Barnes, recently released by the Dodgers, has signed a minor-league contract with the San Francisco Giants, joining their Arizona Complex League team.
The Dodgers will face the White Sox next, with Clayton Kershaw scheduled to pitch against Sean Burke. Fans can catch the game on SportsNet LA and MLB Network.
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