Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Throws Another Bullpen Session

Shohei Ohtani threw his fifth bullpen session on Tuesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs.

The superstar is on track to become the first full-time designated hitter to win an MVP award after becoming the sixth player to accomplish the rare 40-40 season.

With nearly three weeks left in the regular season, Ohtani is four home runs and three stolen bases shy of the first 50-50 season in Major League Baseball history.

“He’s one of one,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told Alden Gonzalez of ESPN in August. “A unicorn.”

“His ability to do both brings exponential value,” general manager Brandon Gomes argued. “So let’s just say the offensive side takes a small step back — that’s still so valuable, that he can do both. Oh, and by the way, if his offense takes a step back, it’s still MVP-caliber offense. Yes, he’s had an amazing season. But the ability to do both is somehow still completely underappreciated.”

If Dodger fans are worried about whether Ohtani will be able to perform offensively when he takes to the mound next year, they don’t have a thing to worry about.

Roberts pointed to that combination, highlighted by the fact that Ohtani led the majors with a 1.066 OPS in a two-way role last year, as proof.

“The bottom line is this is what he wants to do,” Roberts said. “If this is what he believes that he can do at an elite level, and he makes our team better, I don’t see the downside.”

The Dodgers have more problems to think about than Ohtani’s bullpen session if they want to win a World Series.

The defense imploded in the eighth inning on Tuesday night. With a two-run lead, Barnes threw one wide of Freddie Freeman at first base on an easy tapper in front of the plate. Seiya Suzuki hit an RBI single on the next play and Tommy Edman was credited with a throwing error that was also aided by some miscommunication in the infield by Miguel Rojas and Max Muncy.

Three batters later, Kiké Hernández tried to apply a tag as Cody Bellinger ran to second base. However, the ball popped out of his glove and an out wasn’t recorded. The Dodgers surrendered five runs in the inning.

“This one’s on me,” Barnes said. “I’ve got to make that play. It changes the whole inning. Runner at first or first and second is a lot different pitching. Just the whole inning got screwed up.”

In the Dodgers’ 10-8 win Wednesday, Ohtani hit his 47th home run and stole his 48th base. He’s been worth 7 Wins Above Replacement without ever picking up a glove in his first season in Los Angeles. His contributions at the plate and on the bases have done enough to make up for his inability to pitch.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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