Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (No. 17) watches the ball soar after hitting his first home run as a Dodgers player off Giants pitcher Taylor Rogers (No. 33) in the top of the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
Allen J. Schaven | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani on Thursday hit his 50th home run and stole 50 bases this season, becoming the first MLB player to accomplish both feats in the same season.
Ohtani entered Thursday’s game against the Miami Marlins with 48 home runs and 49 stolen bases. He reached 51 career home runs with two stolen bases and reached 50 with one home run each in the sixth and seventh innings. After seven at-bats, Ohtani was 5-for-5 with two home runs and seven RBIs.
The two-time MLB MVP, known as a two-way star, is not pitching this season due to undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in September 2023. But he’s still had an incredibly impactful season. As of Thursday, Ohtani ranks sixth in wins above replacement and is one of just six players with a WAR above 7.0.
Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of this season. The Dodgers are currently leading the National League West Division.