Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani to skip home run derby

(Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports)

Shohei Ohtani is planning to skip the annual midseason home run derby.

The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger belted a go-ahead home run on Tuesday night, his league-best 27th, but said his recovery and rehabilitation from offseason elbow surgery will prevent him from taking part in the July 15 event held the day before the All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Ohta