Shohei Ohtani Leads MLB with 17 Home Runs Amid Dodgers' Struggles

The Los Angeles Dodgers have dropped four consecutive games, most recently losing 9-5 to the Arizona Diamondbacks despite strong offensive efforts from stars Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. Ohtani hit his MLB-leading 17th home run, demonstrating his exceptional hitting prowess with a .312 average, 31 RBIs, and a 1.078 OPS, while Betts contributed two home runs in the game. Ohtani, a two-way player who led the Dodgers to the 2024 World Series title, is working towards returning to pitching after Tommy John surgery, aiming to showcase his unique skill set fully again. Despite the losses and pitching struggles that have seen the Dodgers surrender an early seven-run lead, the team remains a playoff contender with Ohtani as a strong MVP candidate. The Diamondbacks capitalized on Dodgers' pitching woes, extending their lead early and holding off a late LA rally. Overall, Ohtani's continued excellence at the plate stands out amid the Dodgers' recent team challenges.