{
  "id": 12405785,
  "title": "Shohei Ohtani, Hank Aaron Award finalist, still searching at the plate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/shohei-ohtani-hank-aaron-award-finalist-still-searching-at-the-plate",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T15:17:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/shohei-ohtani-hank-aaron-award-151735286.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who has been a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award every year since 2023, is once again in contention for the prestigious honor. However, Ohtani is currently hitting .160/.277/.198 in his 94 plate appearances since returning from the injured list in September. The Dodgers are counting on Ohtani to gain some success at the plate as they battle the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series. Manager Dave Roberts has suggested that Ohtani might be moved even further down in the batting order if necessary. Despite Ohtani's struggles at the plate, his overall numbers in 2026 have been impressive, and he is one of 10 finalists for the National League Hank Aaron Award.",
  "summary": "Dodgers designated hitter has won the Hank Aaron Award, the honor given annually to the top offensive player in his league, in each of the previous three seasons, in 2023 with the Angels then in 2024-25 in his first two years with the Dodgers. Ohtani won’t win it this season, but he’s a finalist again, […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Shohei Ohtani finalist for Hank Aaron Award in 2023-2026",
    "Currently batting .160/.277/.198 in 94 plate appearances",
    "Dodgers rely on Ohtani as NL Division Series progresses"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}