Shohei Ohtani's return to mound could seal another NL MVP award
USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale reports the Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to pitch again soon barring any setbacks. Here's what that could mean.
Shohei Ohtani may secure another National League MVP award, according to USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale. The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to have Ohtani on the mound again in September, barring any setbacks. The 32-year-old two-way star "should also clinch his fifth MVP award," writes Nightengale, as he returns to his role as a versatile player.
Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs is the current leading candidate for the NL MVP award. Ohtani, who has been sidelined since July 3 due to knee inflammation, has not pitched since July 3. However, he threw a bullpen session on August 14, using all his pitches, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. The knee issue has not affected Ohtani's performance as a designated hitter, where he leads the Dodgers with 27 home runs, 77 runs scored, a .388 on-base percentage, and a .540 slugging percentage.
His combined WAR (wins above replacement) as a hitter and pitcher is 6.3. Ohtani has won the AL MVP with the Angels in 2021 and 2023, and the NL MVP with the Dodgers in 2024 and 2025. Crow-Armstrong leads the Cubs with 28 home runs, 75 RBIs, a .374 on-base percentage, and a .533 slugging percentage.
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