When you look at the lineup for Monday night’s 2023 MLB Home Run Derby, there are some big-time sluggers in the mix, like the Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts and the Mets’ Pete Alonso.
However, perhaps the biggest name missing from the 2023 Home Run Derby list is Major League Baseball’s current home-run leader, Shohei Ohtani.
For the second straight year, the Los Angeles Angels’ superstar is skipping the Home Run Derby.
The 29-year-old two-way player with 32 home runs this season was selected to start the All-Star Game as a pitcher and designated hitter. But thanks to a recently developed blister, he won’t be pitching in the game, as the Arizona Republic noted.
Although Ohtani is expected to be around for All-Star Week festivities and could still have an at-bat, he was unsure about his Home Run Derby participation at the end of June. But now, it’s clear from the derby bracket that he will not be hitting.
Here’s a look at the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby bracket:
1. Luis Robert Jr. vs. 8. Adley Rutschman
2. Pete Alonso vs. 7. Julio Rodríguez
3. Mookie Betts vs. 6. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
4. Adolis García vs. 5. Randy Arozarena
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