Ohtani contemplating the Home Run Derby amid record-breaking RBI streak with the Dodgers

CHICAGO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is rolling along for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the moment.

When it comes to the Home Run Derby, well, stay tuned.

Ohtani hit a leadoff drive against the Chicago White Sox for the second straight night on Wednesday, extending his RBI streak to a franchise-record 10 games. The two-time AL MVP is batting .310 (27 for 87) with 11 homers, 23 RBIs and 24 runs in 23 games this month.

“Really my approach is to swing at strikes, and just making sure that my posture and everything else is lined up,” Ohtani said through a translator.

Ohtani's latest tear has him contemplating another try at the Derby on July 15 as part of the All-Star festivities at Globe Life Field in Texas. He last participated in 2021 in Denver, when he lost to Juan Soto in a memorable first-round showdown.

Asked by Japanese reporters about the Derby following Los Angeles' 4-3 victory at Chicago on Tuesday night, Ohtani expressed interest in the marquee event, but said he had to speak with the team about the possibility. A day later, he reiterated his thoughts.

“It hasn't really changed much since yesterday,” Ohtani said after Wednesday night's 4-0 win over the White Sox. “It's something I have to talk to a lot of people about and make a decision.”

Ohtani, who turns 30 on July 5, is in his first season with the Dodgers after agreeing to a $700 million, 10-year contract in December. He isn't going to pitch this year after he had major elbow surgery in September during his final season with the Angels — something that assuredly will come up during Derby discussions with his new team.

“The one side of it, for him to be in the Home Run Derby, it’s great for baseball, clearly,” manager Dave Roberts said. “The other side of it, on the manager of the Dodgers side of it, you’re trying to be more cautious and appreciating the fact that there’s a lot more swings, higher intensity, you know, going through the rehab process with his elbow.

“But for me, personally, it’s just defaulting to the player and supporting Shohei in whatever he chooses.”

Ohtani connected on a full-count cut fastball from Erick Fedde on Wednesday night, sending the ball soaring over the fence in right-center for his NL-high 25th homer. The 437-foot drive had a 113.9 mph exit velocity.

It was Ohtani's third leadoff homer this season and No. 9 for his career.

Ohtani also walked twice. He scored from first on Freddie Freeman's two-run double to right in the third inning.

“He's unbelievable. He's a freak,” Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes said.

Ohtani had two hits and two RBIs in the Dodgers' win on Tuesday night. He went deep in the first inning against Chris Flexen, and then walked and scored in the third. He also hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the fourth.

Ohtani moved into the leadoff spot after Mookie Betts was sidelined by a broken left hand. He became the first player to hit a leadoff homer for the Dodgers in consecutive games since Betts on May 31 and June 2, 2023. He has driven in 17 runs during his RBI streak.

“Shohei's just really on a heater right now and swinging the bat so well,” Roberts said. “You know the leadoff homers, the consecutive games with a run batted in, all that stuff. ... If they throw it over the plate in his zone, he's going to hit it hard.”

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Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, center, celebrates in the dugout after his home run during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani smiles after he hit a home run against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, is congratulated by Teoscar Hernández for a home run against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, left, greets first base coach Clayton McCullough while running the bases on a home run against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani watches his home run against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game aWednesday, June 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, center, celebrates in the dugout after he his home run during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians signed free agent left-hander Matthew Boyd to a major league contract for the remainder of the season, an addition that will give the AL Central leaders some added pitching depth and protection.

Boyd, though, is still recovering from undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery last year, and won't be ready to join the Guardians until at least August. Boyd has progressed to throwing live batting practice.

“We don’t have a specific timetable at this point,” president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said Saturday on a Zoom call. “But Matt’s been a very effective major league starter when he's healthy and we believe he can be a boost to our rotation and add some depth for us as we advance here through the season.”

Boyd was shut down last season after making 15 starts with Detroit. The 33-year-old agreed to a deal earlier this week with Cleveland and passed medical tests.

The Guardians were one of more than a dozen teams to attend a recent workout to see Boyd's progress.

Boyd is 44-67 with a 4.94 ERA in 160 starts since breaking in with Toronto in 2020. He spent seven seasons with the Tigers and one with Seattle before re-signing with Detroit in 2023.

Due to injuries, he's been limited to just 52 games over the past four seasons.

The Guardians, who have dropped three straight games and the first two of their four-game series in Kansas City, could be in the market for more starting pitching as the trading deadline approaches.

Before then, the team will get a boost as Gavin Williams is set to join the rotation after hurting his elbow in spring training.

The hard-throwing 24-year-old was expected to have a major role with Cleveland this season before he got hurt throwing a weighted ball in March. Williams made his sixth rehab start on Thursday for Triple-A Columbus, making 82 pitches in four innings.

Antonetti said the team will create a roster spot before Sunday's game for Williams, a former first-round pick who went 3-5 in 15 starts as a rookie last season.

“We’ll have to continue to be thoughtful with him as we build up his progression,” Antonetti said. “He won’t be on an unrestricted plan moving forward like a typical starter, but we think he’s at a point now where he’s able to help us win games."'

Antonetti also addressed Triston McKenzie's recent struggles. The right-hander had his third straight rough outing on Friday, allowing five runs and five hits in just 2 1/3 innings as Cleveland lost 10-3.

McKenzie hasn't gone more than three innings in his last three starts. He's 3-5 with a 5.11 ERA in 16 starts.

“It’s been inconsistent with Triston at times,” Antonetti said. “We have seen him make progress with how his body’s moving and some of the delivery work he’s been doing with our coaches, but it’s not yet to a point where it’s translated to consistent results in the game.”

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FILE - Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matthew Boyd throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in Detroit. The Cleveland Guardians signed free agent left-hander Matthew Boyd to a major league contract for the remainder of the season on Saturday, June 29, 2024, an addition that will give the AL Central leaders some added pitching depth and protection. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio,m File)