Shohei Ohtani was already a star due to his batting and prowess on the mound during his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. However, every time October came around, he was forced into forced rest since the Angels had a losing record.
That all changed when he drove up Interstate 5 to join the Los Angeles Dodgers — for him, and the California franchise.
“I’m like the fans,” said his teammate, star player Mookie Betts. I can’t wait to see Shohei play in the playoffs. »
However, it is unlikely that Ohtani will be able to demonstrate the full extent of his talent, since he is still recovering from a second major elbow surgery performed a year ago. Manager Dave Roberts had previously hinted that the Japanese could end up on the mound, but he recently backtracked, saying that “I don’t know how that could happen.”
Still, the Dodgers’ US$700 million man can change the game more than anyone in the postseason. He accomplished an unprecedented feat this season by creating the exclusive 50-50 club — he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and commit 50 thefts in a campaign. He finished the season with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases.
He also came close to becoming the first National League Triple Crown winner since 1937. He led the league in home runs and RBIs (130), and was second in batting average, at .310, behind San Diego Padres player Luis Arraez (.314). Among his other staggering statistics: a power rate of .646, 134 points scored, 411 goals reached and an average presence plus power greater than 1000.
Ohtani helped the Dodgers finish the season with the best record in the major leagues (98-64) for the third time in five years, and earn an 11e of the Western section of the National in 12 years.
“In all of this, the most important thing to take away was that I was able to play consistently throughout the season,” he said through an interpreter.
The Dodgers will begin the playoffs on Saturday in the National League. They are assured of home-field advantage throughout their entire post-season journey.