The Los Angeles Dodgers are barreling toward another postseason appearance as they remain part of a heated National League West race. Another storyline with the club is Shohei Ohtani’s pursuit of MLB history season, which naturally has come with making quite the impact for the Dodgers.
Ohtani’s play is also elevating those around him, which fellow All-Star Mookie Betts has seen all season. Ohtani is must-see television, and with each majestic home run or stolen base, the chase for a one-of-a-kind year inches closer.
That’s thrust Ohtani to the forefront of the National League MVP Award discussion, but some have discredited his case because of only being a designated hitter.
Betts admitted to once being in that camp, but Ohtani has changed his perception on who could be worthy of winning MVP, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I’m not for it. But no DH has ever done what he’s done either,” said Betts, who made three starts at DH during his AL MVP season with the Red Sox in 2018. “I just think the best player that helps his team win – whether it’s all offense or all defense, that’s the MVP. The Most Valuable Player, that’s what it is. There’s no right or wrong. I do know without him we wouldn’t be where we are now. You can go with whatever you go off of. But I know we wouldn’t be here without him.”
The Dodgers have greatly benefitted from what Ohtani has brought to the team this year, and it’s fair to say they would be in a much different place without him. As Betts and Freddie Freeman have both missed time due to respective injuries, Ohtani was there to carry the load.
Betts and Freeman slotted behind Ohtani in the Dodgers lineup creates a trio of big-time bats that have all won MVP Awards in their careers. Ohtani is now chasing his third MVP crown, and his first in the NL.
Mookie Betts: Dodgers injuries not an ‘excuse’
For all of the impact Ohtani and Betts have had for the Dodgers, their postseason hopes largely hinge on a pitching staff that’s been patched together all year. After some progress toward getting back to full health, the Dodgers’ starting rotation is decimated yet again.
Tyler Glasnow won’t return because of a right elbow sprain, Clayton Kershaw is unlikely to pitch during the regular season, and there’s uncertainty with Gavin Stone as he’s trying to recover from shoulder inflammation.
Despite the proverbial deck being stacked against them, Betts said Dodgers injuries can’t be a reason for not winning games.
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