Shohei Ohtani Breaks Dodgers Record With 8th Home Run
Apr 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) returns to the dugout after hitting a home run in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Shohei Ohtani set a new Los Angeles Dodgers record for most home runs by a Japanese-born player with his eighth of the season.
Ohtani had been tied with manager Dave Roberts, who hit seven home runs over his Dodgers playing career. Ohtani tied Roberts on April 26 with his seventh home run this season.
Ohtani then took hold of sole possession of the Dodgers record by slugging his eighth homer against the Atlanta Braves on May 4, 2024 while facing Bryce Elder.
Ohtani’s eighth home run of the season in the third inning propelled him to the top spot in the Dodgers’ record books.
Ohtani has been as good, if not better, than advertised for the Dodgers as he ranks highly in many of the offensive categories across MLB. He has been slugging at an outstanding pace despite going without a first home run until April 3 against the San Francisco Giants.
Even with the somewhat delayed power surge, Ohtani broke the MLB record for most home runs hit by a Japanese-born player. It previously belonged to Hideki Matsui, who hit 175 home runs in his career during the regular season.
Ohtani visited Toronto for the first time since offseason rumors about his free agency process suggested signing with the Blue Jays was imminent.
Ultimately, nothing came of the speculation and Ohtani eventually singed with the Dodgers, leaving Blue Jay fans feeling spurned. Roberts believed that Ohtani would get a ‘fine reception’ in Toronto, but that was not the case as he received loud boos.
Ohtani was unfazed as he homered in his first at-bat at Rogers Centre and proceeded to have a productive series. Though, it did end with going hitless in the finale, which coincided with the Dodgers’ six-game winning streak being snapped.
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