Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter and starting pitcher, made a significant mark on Wednesday by hitting a home run in his fifth consecutive game, tying a franchise record. This streak began shortly after the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB midseason break, with Ohtani taking Minnesota Twins pitcher Chris Paddack’s 79 mph curveball 441 feet to centerfield in the bottom of the first inning.
Strong Home Run Streak Revives Ohtani’s Offensive Power
Before this streak, Ohtani had hit just two home runs in 12 games leading up to the All-Star break, despite entering the break with a robust 32 home runs for the season. His recent performance reflects a resurgence in his batting prowess that has grabbed widespread attention.
Having participated in 101 of the Dodgers’ 103 games this season, Ohtani is on track to surpass a full season’s worth of appearances at 159 games. If he maintains this momentum, he is expected to exceed his personal best for single-season home runs, breaking the record he set last year during his inaugural season with Los Angeles.
Ohtani’s MVP Odds and Return to Pitching Boost His Value
According to ESPN Bet, Ohtani is a heavy favorite to win the National League MVP award again, with odds at -1800. Each new home run further strengthens his chances of securing a fourth MVP title overall.
In addition to his hitting feats, Ohtani’s gradual return to pitching after missing the previous season due to surgery remains a promising development. The Dodgers have managed his workload carefully, as he has pitched 12 innings across six starts, allowing nine hits and two earned runs while striking out 13 batters.
Data from Baseball Savant shows that Ohtani’s average fastball velocity stands impressively in the top six percent of the league at 97.8 mph, indicating his progress as a two-way player.
Signs of Postseason Readiness After Midseason Break
Though the Dodgers continue to monitor his pitch count, Ohtani required little time to regain his offensive form after the midseason break. This quick adjustment suggests he may already be hitting a level of performance suited for postseason competition, heightening optimism among fans and analysts.