Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani shatters historic MLB feat not seen since legend Ken Griffey Jr. originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Los Angeles Dodgers struck gold when they landed Shohei Ohtani in free agency. The move paid off immediately, with the Dodgers winning the World Series -- and they could very well do it again. However, repeating as champions is never easy. One twist could involve Ohtani taking on an unexpected role as a closer during the postseason -- but there's a catch.
"The Dodgers are toying with the idea of using Shohei Ohtani in relief during the postseason, but if they do, he would vacate his spot in the lineup when his turn came up to hit. If he's a starter, he's permitted to stay in the game as a DH after he's done pitching," USA Today's Bob Nightengale wrote.
Ohtani continues to make history as one of the most uniquely talented players the game has ever seen. Since arriving in the league, he's been nothing short of generational. Now, he's once again cemented himself in the record books -- with only Ken Griffey Jr. coming even remotely close.
"Shohei Ohtani has 102 home runs and 77 stolen bases since the beginning of last season. The next-most stolen bases by any player in a two-year span that they hit at least 100 home runs is 44 by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1998-1999," Opta Stats posted.
What Ohtani is doing is simply superhuman. The feats he's accomplishing are hard to comprehend. Fortunately for him, this historic note is a positive one -- unlike a more infamous moment from last season.
"According to Baseball Almanac's tracker of every triple play in MLB history, it marked just the eighth the Angels have ever turned. As for the Dodgers, they have now fallen victim to 24 triple plays. There had never been a triple play in the 152 games between the Dodgers and Angels since the Freeway Series began in 1997," SI's Sam Connon wrote.
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Ohtani being mentioned alongside Griffey is nothing short of incredible. Not only did he have a stellar two-year stretch, but he doubled the stolen base total of the next closest player to reach 100 home runs. As the Dodgers gear up for another playoff run, Ohtani continues to prove why he may very well be the best player in baseball -- and why a second ring could soon be in reach.