1 Related
Ohtani is on pace to be the first player with 50 homers and 50 stolen bases in a season in MLB history, according to ESPN Stats & Information. No player has had 45 homers and 45 steals in a season.
After never making the postseason in his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani finds himself in a pennant race with the National League West-leading Dodgers.
“The No. 1 goal is to get to the postseason and win the World Series,” he said. “Whatever the outcome is for my record, that’s part of the process.”
Ohtani’s 12 stolen bases in August without being caught are the most in a month by a Dodgers player since Rafael Furcal was 12-for-12 in September and October 2007.
“I know that he’s taking very good care of his legs to be able to do it and be that dynamic player,” Roberts said. “He’s doing his homework on opposing pitchers, and he’s getting great jumps. He’s a much better base stealer. He’s very efficient.”
Roberts noted that earlier in the season and going back to when the Dodgers faced the Angels, Ohtani was tentative on the basepaths and his stolen base percentage wasn’t high.
“He’s an elite base stealer with a high success rate,” the manager said. “I’m sure there’ll be more dramatics to come.”
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge leads the majors with 49 homers. He’s favored to win AL MVP honors with Ohtani predicted to do the same in the NL.
“I just don’t see anyone any better,” Roberts said. “Obviously Judge is in the conversation, but man, I’d take Shohei.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
