Power Plug Pulled on Contest Prior to All-Star Game ⚾
It’s not his [Ohtani’s] sole responsibility to carry MLB… -Dave Roberts
The Home Run Derby at this month’s All-Star Game festivities lost a lot of juice with the MLB news that neither Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani nor Yankees’ Aaron Judge will participate.
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The Home Run Derby will take place at the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field on July 15, the day before the All-Star Classic. There will be no MLB games from July 15-18 that week as the traditional All-Star break occurs.
Ohtani’s stats have been dazzling in his first season as a Los Angeles Dodger. Heading into games of July 3, the DH is hitting .320 with 27 home runs and 64 RBI. Ohtani’s injury, which necessitated surgery on an elbow ligament, has kept him from being a starting pitcher in 2024. It didn’t prevent the Dodgers from landing the slugger with a $700 million contract as a free agent from the Los Angeles Angels.
Dodger manager Dave Roberts defended his star player, saying it isn’t Ohtani’s responsibility to carry the sport. “It’s not his [Ohtani’s] sole responsibility to carry Major League Baseball.”
Dave Roberts believes Shohei Ohtani has much bigger goals this season than going out of his way to take part in the Home Run Derby 🫡 pic.twitter.com/0vLdC8SrV5
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 3, 2024
Judge Earns Monthly Honors, Again
Meanwhile, on the American League side, the Yankees’ slugging outfielder won’t be taking part, either. That’s a blow to the event as Judge was just named AL Player of the Month for the second straight time.
A sensational June at the plate for Aaron Judge!
He is your June AL Player of the Month presented by @Chevrolet. pic.twitter.com/dURTLCC7gS
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) July 3, 2024
He enters play on July 3 with these stunning stats: 32 home runs, 83 RBI, and a 321 batting average. Remember, these numbers are after a sluggish start to the 2024 season that had MLB rumors wondering if he was still hampered by an injury suffered last season.
Judge won the Home Run Derby in 2017. Who do you think will win the contest this season? Make sure to place your wagers on the event and other Home Runs’ props at BetUS Sportsbook.
Home Run Derby Rules
First round: All eight players get three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, plus one timeout. The four leading home run hitters advance. Ties are broken using the longest home run distance.
Semifinals: The four remaining players are seeded 1-4 using first-round home run totals, then it’s 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3 in head-to-head matchups. It’s again three minutes or 40 pitches with one timeout. The same bonus time rules apply.
Finals: The final two players now have two minutes or 27 pitches with one timeout, and the same bonus time rules. The player with the most homers wins.
MLB has announced new rules and format to the Home Run Derby which will take effect during this year’s event. pic.twitter.com/DsmzZfTJqZ
— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2024
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