Let's dive into the fascinating world of Shohei Ohtani, a true two-way marvel in Major League Baseball. This Wednesday, Ohtani will showcase his pitching prowess against the Mets, and it's an event that has me, and many fans, incredibly excited.
The Marquee Matchup
Ohtani's upcoming start is a highly anticipated event, not just because of his incredible talent, but also because of the unique circumstances surrounding it. This game will mark the first time this season that an MLB game will be aired on ESPN, a network with a long-standing relationship with the league. It's a reminder of the power and allure of Ohtani's presence, drawing attention to the sport and this particular matchup.
Ohtani's Dominance on the Mound
In his first two starts of the season, Ohtani has been nothing short of dominant. He's completed six innings in each game without allowing a single earned run. This is especially impressive considering his limited innings pitched in the previous two seasons due to injury. Ohtani is on track to surpass his career-high innings pitched, a feat that earned him fourth place in the AL Cy Young voting in 2022. He's the only pitcher in MLB with multiple starts without an earned run this season, a statistic that speaks volumes about his current form.
ERA and Historical Context
Ohtani's ERA is a topic of interest, especially when compared to historical records. While it's early in the season, his current ERA is a reminder of the potential for greatness. The lowest ERA by a qualified starting pitcher in Dodgers history is Zack Greinke's 1.66 in 2015, and Bob Gibson's 1.12 ERA for the 1968 Cardinals stands as the Modern Era record. Only a handful of qualified starters have logged an ERA under 2.00 in a non-shortened season over the past decade. Ohtani's performance so far this season puts him in rare company, and it's a testament to his skill and consistency.
Pitch Selection and Success
Ohtani's pitch selection has been a key to his success. His four-seam fastball has been his most-used pitch for two consecutive seasons, and hitters have struggled against it. Since 2025, Ohtani has allowed very few hits off his four-seamer, resulting in a minuscule slugging percentage against. His breaking balls, including his curveball, sweeper, and slider, have also been effective, with excellent results and a high pitcher run value. Ohtani's ability to mix up his pitches and keep hitters guessing is a major strength.
A Diverse Arsenal
Ohtani's repertoire is impressive, featuring seven different
