Ohtani 'honored' to be considered for HR Derby, but doesn't think he's deserving

One day after Los Angeles Angels skipper Mike Scioscia told media that he wouldn't deter Shohei Ohtani from participating in the Home Run Derby, the two-way phenom said he doesn't believe he's earned it yet.

"I'm honored to be in that conversation," Ohtani said through an interpreter, per Avery Yang of MLB.com before adding, "I don't think I'm at that level yet."

With the rate Ohtani has turned heads at the major-league level through his first two months stateside, the 23-year-old will certainly attract a lot of attention when fans begin All-Star voting next month. However, the Home Run Derby is decided upon by the players.

The 2018 Midsummer Classic is slated to take place July 17 at Nationals Park with the Home Run Derby going the day before.

Through 90 plate appearances, Ohtani has hit six home runs while posting a .619 slugging percentage - good enough for sixth in MLB among batters with at least that many at-bats. His work as a pitcher has been otherworldly as well, as the right-hander owns a 3.35 ERA over 40 1/3 innings while striking out nearly 11 batters per nine.