Dodgers teammates explained why they didn't stick around to watch Teoscar Hernández win the Home Run Derby

Dodgers players were noticeably absent in the later rounds.

The Dodgers had five players make the trip to Arlington for the MLB All-Star festivities, which included Teoscar Hernández becoming the first Dodgers player in franchise history to win the Home Run Derby. But when it came time to celebrate with his fellow Dodgers All-Stars, the absence was noticeable.

Out of the Dodgers players to make the NL All-Star team, only pitcher Tyler Glasnow stuck around to watch the full event. Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith and Freddie Freeman all left by the later rounds — a stark contrast from the Phillies players who all cheered on Alec Bohm into the semifinal.

Smith — the Dodgers catcher — was asked why he left early, and he explained that his 2-year-old daughter was getting restless. So, he had to leave a bit early to be on dad duty. Freeman also had his three young sons at the event. Though that didn’t explain why Ohtani left early, Hernández wasn’t bothered that his teammates didn’t stick around.

massive shoutout to Tyler Glasnow for (seemingly?) being the only Dodgers All-Star to stick around and watch Teoscar win

— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) July 16, 2024

Via The LA Times:

Hernández said he didn’t give his teammates a hard time, and that he hardly even noticed until seeing comments on social media wondering about their absences.

“At the end of the day, it was a good day,” he said. “I won. So that’s all that matters.”

If it didn’t bother Hernández, it shouldn’t be an issue. After all, the Home Run Derby is an exhibition for the fans’ entertainment.