Los Angeles Dodgers two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani has made an incredible start to his 2026 campaign in both departments of the game. While he has a .245 batting average with five home runs and 11 RBIs, and an .812 OPS in 25 games so far, Ohtani has been equally good from the mound through his first four starts of the campaign.
He has a 2-0 record with a 0.38 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. His most recent start came in Game 2 of the three-game series against the Giants on Wednesday, where he pitched six scoreless innings, with seven strikeouts, five hits, and zero walks.
While Ohtani is everyone’s favorite to win his fourth straight MVP honor and the fifth overall this season, some are speculating whether this could also be the year when the Japanese star could finally win his maiden Cy Young award. MLB insiders Chris Rose and Trevor Plouffe shared their hot takes on the topic in the latest episode of the “JM Baseball” podcast.
“I think last week we discussed whether or not we thought he’d have a shot at the Cy Young. He could. I don’t know if he’s going to log enough innings because Dave Roberts has twice this year, including yesterday, talked about it. As Dan likes to put it in the title of the show, Shohei’s load management, and I think part of it is limiting his innings even when he’s pitching well,” Rose said.
“Like the one thing Shohei said after last night’s start was, hey, look, I was pleased to go six shutout innings, which is great, but I really wanted to get through seven. And I think that even when he’s throwing the ball well, if he’s kind of in that 88 to 92 pitch range, they’re going to say, ” We got to throw you back, bro,” he added.
“Like, we need you healthy and ready to go in October. And that’s when we can unleash the monster. So it basically feels like instead of five and fly, it’s going to be like six. I think that’s the way it’s going to go for him. I mean, stuff-wise and as far as talent, and he will. I think I’m going to say right now he will finish top five Cy Young.” Rose concluded.
Shohei Ohtani’s Next Start Will be at Home Against the Marlins
The Japanese ace will take to the mound next when the Dodgers host the Miami Marlins for a three-game series as part of their six-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs and the Marlins.
Ohtani will be pitching against the Marlins in Game 2 of the series on Tuesday and will be up against RHP Janson Junk, who is 1-2 for the campaign through five starts this season. After a 3-4 display on the road against the Colorado Rockies and the Giants, the Dodgers now head back home to kick off a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday.
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