Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani made headlines after hitting his 28th home run of the season, contributing to the team’s 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. This impressive feat makes Ohtani the first player since the legendary Willie Mays to achieve 28 home runs and six triples within the first 80 games of a season, a milestone Mays reached back in 1954. Ohtani’s home run came in the seventh inning, a powerful shot off Rockies reliever Tyler Kinley, and traveled 418 feet into the Dodgers’ bullpen, showcasing his exceptional hitting prowess.
This season, Ohtani has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a batting average of .291 along with 52 RBIs and 11 stolen bases in just 80 games. His home runs put him in a tie for second place in the league with New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge; Seattle Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh leads with 32 home runs. Ohtani’s offensive contributions are complemented by his unique ability to pitch, a skill he has recently showcased again after a hiatus due to injury.
Ohtani made his pitching debut for the Dodgers on June 16 against the San Diego Padres, managing one inning where he allowed one run on two hits. He had been sidelined since August 2023 after undergoing elbow surgery, making his return to the mound even more noteworthy. In his subsequent outing against the Washington Nationals on June 22, he showcased his skills by pitching a scoreless inning and striking out two batters, indicating his potential as a dual-threat player.
The Dodgers are cautious about managing Ohtani’s pitching workload, opting not to send him to the minor leagues for rehabilitation, mainly due to the immense value he adds as a hitter. Consequently, both of his initial pitching appearances were limited to one inning. The decision reflects the team’s strategy to maximize his contributions while ensuring he remains healthy and effective during games.
Looking ahead, Ohtani is scheduled to make his next start against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET. The Dodgers are currently holding a record of 51-31, while the Royals stand at 38-43. The teams will kick off a three-game series at Dodger Stadium, with the first game slated for Friday at 8:10 p.m. ET. Ohtani’s remarkable combination of skills continues to captivate fans and analysts alike, as he redefines expectations in Major League Baseball.
The ongoing season is setting the stage for Ohtani to make history as he aims to further elevate his game and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest talents in baseball. His return to pitching alongside his offensive achievements exemplifies his unique versatility and athleticism, which so many in the baseball community are closely watching as the season progresses.
