Shohei Ohtani's first season as a full-time starting pitcher and designated hitter since 2023 is going better than perhaps even the Los Angeles Dodgers imagined. On May 27 against the Colorado Rockies, Ohtani did something in one game that no player in the modern era of Major League Baseball had achieved in an entire career.
As the Dodgers' leadoff hitter, Ohtani homered in the bottom of the first inning to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead. Then, as the Dodgers' starting pitcher, he completed six innings without allowing a hit. The Rockies didn't record a hit until the eighth inning of a 4-1 loss. According to Stats Perform, no player had both hit a home run and pitched at least six no-hit innings in their career — let alone a single game.
Historical Context and Comparisons
Ohtani's feat is so rare that only a handful of pitchers have even come close in the past. The last pitcher to allow no hits through the first six innings of a game and hit a home run at any point in his start was the Chicago Cubs' Jake Arrieta in 2015. The last Dodgers pitcher to do it was Hall of Famer Don Drysdale in 1959. Ohtani also joined Drysdale on a short list of pitchers who have hit a home run in three consecutive starts. Ken Brett (1973), Bob Lemon (1949), and Wes Ferrell (1933) are the only other pitchers to have done so since 1900.
Ohtani's ability to dominate both at the plate and on the mound has drawn comparisons to baseball legends like Babe Ruth, who also excelled as a two-way player in the early 20th century. However, Ruth never achieved a game like Ohtani's, as he primarily pitched before becoming a full-time hitter. Ohtani's modern-day feats are unprecedented given the increased specialization and talent level of today's game.
Ohtani's 2024 Season So Far
By limiting the Rockies to one run in six innings, Ohtani's ERA now sits at 0.82. He is one inning shy of the minimum needed to qualify for an ERA title, which he could potentially achieve in his next start. As a pitcher, Ohtani has limited opposing hitters to a .147 batting average, two home runs, and seven runs (five earned) through the first two months of the season. His strikeout-to-walk ratio has been elite, and he has consistently given the Dodgers quality starts while also serving as their leadoff hitter.
As a hitter, Ohtani is batting .269 with nine home runs, 36 runs scored, and 30 RBIs. His on-base percentage and slugging percentage remain well above league average, making him one of the most valuable offensive players in the National League. Ohtani's combination of speed and power has also made him a threat on the basepaths, though he has been more selective in stealing bases this season.
Impact on the Dodgers' Season
The Dodgers, who signed Ohtani to a record-breaking contract in the offseason, have reaped immediate rewards. Ohtani's two-way contributions have helped Los Angeles maintain a strong position in the NL West, despite injuries to other key players. His presence in the lineup as a leadoff hitter has changed the dynamic of the offense, while his pitching has stabilized a rotation that needed depth.
Manager Dave Roberts has praised Ohtani's work ethic and ability to handle the rigorous demands of being a two-way player. Ohtani's routine includes extensive preparation for both hitting and pitching, often arriving at the ballpark hours before the game. His teammates have marveled at his consistency and focus.
The Road Ahead
As Ohtani continues to build on his historic season, the baseball world watches with anticipation. He is on pace to potentially win both the MVP and Cy Young awards, a feat accomplished only once before (by Ruth in 1918, though Cy Young voters have split opinions). Ohtani's next start will be closely watched, as he aims to qualify for the ERA title and extend his streak of home runs in consecutive starts.
Beyond individual honors, Ohtani’s performance could propel the Dodgers deep into the postseason. If he maintains his current level of play, he will have cemented his legacy one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history. For now, fans can only appreciate the unique spectacle of a player who does things on a baseball field that no one else can.
Source: Newsweek News