Feb 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) takes the field prior to the game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports/ File Photo
Shohei Ohtani has been nothing short of spectacular in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has broken records, earned National League Player of the Week honors twice, and is on track for an All-Star Game selection and a potential Home Run Derby appearance.
Ohtani set a new Dodgers record for consecutive games with at least one RBI, extending his streak to 10 on Wednesday night with a leadoff home run, his second consecutive game starting with a homer.
Before the series finale against the Chicago White Sox, Ohtani was tied with Bob Fisher (1913), Eddie Brown (1924), Augie Galan (1944), Roy Campanella (1955), and Matt Kemp (2011-2012) for the Dodgers record of nine consecutive games with an RBI.
Earlier this season, Ohtani broke the Dodgers record for most home runs by a Japanese-born player with his eighth of the year, surpassing manager Dave Roberts, who hit seven home runs during his Dodgers playing career. Ohtani achieved this milestone on May 4 against the Atlanta Braves.
The 29-year-old has also tied or set multiple Dodgers home run records for distance at Dodger Stadium during the Statcast Era (since 2015).
Since replacing the injured Mookie Betts as the leadoff hitter, Ohtani has been on a tear. In eight games in the leadoff spot, he went 13-for-31 (.419) with three doubles, five home runs, and 13 RBI. As of Wednesday, he led the Majors in batting average (.320) and ranked third in runs scored (63), home runs (24), RBI (60), and total hits (99). Ohtani’s 25 homers lead all NL players.
Ohtani is on pace to set new career highs in hits, doubles, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, and runs scored.
Will Shohei Ohtani participate in the Home Run Derby?
Ohtani has shown interest in participating in the Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field. However, the Dodgers may be hesitant to allow him due to his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery. Ohtani has only participated in the Home Run Derby once before, in 2021, when he made MLB history as the first pitcher to take swings in the event.
