SAN DIEGO – Shohei Ohtani is set to dazzle again at Petco Park this Wednesday, combining his role as a pitcher and hitter in the series finale between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. This will be the first time in his last four starts that the Japanese star will perform both functions, after focusing exclusively on his performance as a pitcher in previous commitments.
Domain in the Lomita
Ohtani arrives at the match positioned as one of the most outstanding pitchers in Major League Baseball, boasting an impressive 0.82 ERA, the lowest among all pitchers with at least 25 innings pitched so far this season. Since his return to the mound on June 16th, after overcoming a second major surgery on his right elbow, the Japanese player has exhibited an exceptional level. In his last 20 starts, he has accumulated 112 strikeouts in 90 innings and has an ERA of 1.80, solidifying himself as one of the main contenders for the Cy Young Award.Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlighted the evolution of the Japanese phenomenon, asserting that he is currently pitching like the best pitcher in baseball. While Ohtani shines from the mound, he also seems to be regaining his offensive rhythm. After a brief period of decline in his batting performance, and after being left out of the starting lineup in two consecutive games, the Japanese player has hit safely in six straight games and recently hit home runs again. The Nippon phenomenon will now seek to transfer that offensive awakening to its double-duty presentation, a unique combination that continues to captivate the world of Major League Baseball.He wants to be the best pitcher in the world and he is showing it at the moment.
Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
