Shohei Ohtani Pitches 6 Scoreless Innings for Dodgers in 2024 Debut

Shohei Ohtani threw 6 scoreless innings in his first pitching start for the Dodgers, hitting 99.2 mph. This is his first full season as a two-way player in 3 years.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Shohei Ohtani's dual-threat season is officially underway, with the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher delivering a six-scoreless-inning debut. Simultaneously, the buzz around potential Cy Young and MVP candidates is amplified by early season performances and shifting betting odds.

The focus remains sharp on baseball's prominent figures as the season unfolds. Shohei Ohtani, now with the Dodgers, kicked off his pitching campaign with an impressive outing, throwing six scoreless innings and showcasing a varied pitch mix, including a curveball he rarely deploys. His fastball hit 99.2 mph during the performance, which concluded with 87 pitches after striking out Rhys Hoskins. This marks Ohtani's first full season as a two-way player in three years.

Alvarez a top-10 bat? Ohtani wins Cy Young? Perdomo for real? Don't be surprised - 1

Meanwhile, the landscape of potential major awards is already in flux. The National League Cy Young race, initially favoring Paul Skenes, saw its odds shift after his first start. In the American League MVP race, Aaron Judge of the Yankees remains a favorite, while Shohei Ohtani is also positioned as a contender for the National League MVP. However, Konnor Griffin, a highly touted prospect, is slated to join the Pirates and is already a significant focal point for Rookie of the Year betting, moving to odds leader at +300. The National League MVP odds now show Cristopher Sanchez of the Phillies at +330, ahead of Sal Stewart of the Reds at +350.

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Player Performances and Speculation

The question of whether Yordan Alvarez ranks among the top-10 hitters is resurfacing, with him recently being hit by a pitch during a game that saw his teammate Carlos Correa hit a decisive three-run homer. Alvarez's reaction to being hit by Garrett Crochet was visibly animated. Speculation also extends to whether Ohtani himself could contend for a Cy Young award, a notion met with varied perspectives.

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Alvarez a top-10 bat? Ohtani wins Cy Young? Perdomo for real? Don't be surprised - 2

Awards and Historical Context

The Cy Young Award, named after the winningest pitcher in baseball history, has been presented annually since its inception. Past winners include a distinguished list of pitchers such as Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, Gerrit Cole, and Sandy Koufax. The Hank Aaron Award, recognizing outstanding offensive achievement, was jointly awarded to Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. in December 2023.

Team Dynamics and Predictions

The Dodgers, despite past seasons where they seemingly treated the regular season as extended preparation, are once again drawing attention. Predictions for their win total vary, with some suggesting even matching their previous year's 79 wins could be optimistic, while others acknowledge their tendency to defy expectations. The team's performance, particularly with Ohtani now a fixture, will be closely monitored.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Shohei Ohtani do in his first pitching start for the Dodgers in 2024?
Shohei Ohtani pitched six scoreless innings in his first start for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He threw 87 pitches and his fastball reached 99.2 mph.
Q: What does Shohei Ohtani's pitching debut mean for award races like MVP and Cy Young?
Ohtani's strong start affects the odds for MVP and Cy Young awards. He is considered a contender for the National League MVP, and his pitching performance could boost his Cy Young chances.
Q: Who else is being talked about for baseball awards based on early season performances?
Paul Skenes' Cy Young odds changed after his first start. Aaron Judge is still an AL MVP favorite. Konnor Griffin is now the betting favorite for Rookie of the Year with the Pirates.
Q: Are there any other notable player performances or player discussions mentioned?
Yordan Alvarez's ranking as a top-10 hitter is being discussed after he was hit by a pitch. There is also debate about whether Ohtani can compete for a Cy Young award.
Q: What are the predictions for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 season?
Predictions for the Dodgers' win total vary. Some think matching last year's 79 wins would be good, but the team often surprises people, especially with Ohtani now on board.