The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched the NL West title after a rollercoaster final month filled with ups and downs. Despite the challenges, they emerged on top—and they may already be unsettling other playoff contenders in the process. One major reason: Shohei Ohtani. The superstar’s two-way talents are already creating waves.
“Teams are upset that the Dodgers will have one more pitcher than everyone else on their roster since there’s a special exemption for Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote. “If Ohtani is a starting pitcher, he can remain in the game as a DH once he’s replaced on the mound.”
Ohtani’s impact isn’t limited to the mound—he’s just as dangerous at the plate. Less than a week ago, he set a new Dodgers record for most home runs hit inside Dodger Stadium.
“Shohei Ohtani just broke his own record by hitting his 29th home run at Dodger Stadium this season. The previous record was the 28 homers he hit in his first year with LA. Shohei Ohtani is putting the finishing touches on another unanimous MVP,” Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain wrote.
With a weekend series still to go, Ohtani has a chance to break both his personal and the Dodgers’ single-season home run record.
“Shohei Ohtani has tied his career high with 54 home runs. His next one would be a personal high and Dodgers franchise high — which would break the record he set last year, his first with LA. Ohtani also has a 2.87 ERA this season, by the way,” Dodgers Nation’s Noah Camras posted.
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This entire season has been nothing short of historic for Ohtani. And even as the regular season winds down, he shows no signs of slowing. Since arriving in the league, Ohtani has consistently made history—and this year is no exception.
For Ohtani, it may feel like just another day at the ballpark. But in hindsight, the feats he’s accomplishing are nearly unprecedented. With October approaching, Ohtani will look to continue his dominance on baseball’s biggest stage.
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