In the last season that he pitched in 2023, Ohtani had a 3.13 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and a 10-5 record, helping him earn a second AL MVP. Unfortunately, his season on the mound was cut short as he underwent surgery for a UCL tear in his right elbow in September. Since then, he's been on the road to recovery.

Because of rule changes MLB made in recent years to essentially benefit Ohtani, he can stay in the game as a DH even after he's removed from the mound. And given his power-speed prowess, that's a huge benefit for the Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani has hit two homers against the San Francisco Giants, emphatically ending the three-time MVP’s longest homer drought since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers