As a reminder, Ohtani hasn't pitched since Aug. 23, 2023. He underwent surgery on his pitching elbow less than a month later. At the time, his surgeon said it was to "repair the issue at hand and to reinforce the healthy ligament in place while adding viable tissue for the longevity of the elbow."

It’s been a remarkable year for Shohei Ohtani, who signed a $700 million deal with the Dodgers last December. But the most remarkable part is that it began with a career-threatening controversy.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani decided six years ago he was heading to the United States and Major League Baseball with one prevailing goal: win the World Series. Ohtani and the Dodgers are the favorites to claim the 2024 World Series and the likely National League MVP is driving many of those opinions.