Shohei Ohtani improves catcher rapport, urged to join Home Run Derby

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 4-3, and catcher Dalton Rushing said the partnership with Shohei Ohtani showed marked improvement after a previous clash. Rushing told the media, "I think I understood what he was trying to do… in most situations we shared the same thinking," and noted that Ohtani took the lead on pitch selection for most of his 110 pitches.

U.S. baseball commentators later pressed Ohtani to appear in this year’s Home Run Derby. During an MLB Network program, host Greg Amshinger exclaimed, "Shohei, we need you… please, Shohei Ohtani!!" and other analysts echoed their admiration, though Ohtani’s recent injuries make his participation uncertain.