Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Shohei Ohtani Changed Mookie Betts’ Perception Of DH For MVP Award
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Shohei Ohtani Changed Mookie Betts’ Perception Of DH For MVP Award

Scott Geirman
September 22, 2024
4 Min Read
Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, left, and Mookie Betts talk during a pitching change during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
SHARE

The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched another postseason appearance and are making progress toward winning the National League West division as well. Another storyline with the club is Shohei Ohtani making MLB history, which naturally has come with making quite the impact for the Dodgers.

Ohtani’s play is also elevating those around him, which fellow All-Star Mookie Betts has seen all season. Ohtani is must-see television, and with each majestic home run or stolen base, the chase for a one-of-a-kind year inches closer.

That’s thrust Ohtani to the forefront of the National League MVP Award discussion, but some have discredited his case because of only being a designated hitter.

Betts admitted to once being in that camp, but Ohtani has changed his perception on who could be worthy of winning MVP, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

“I’m not for it. But no DH has ever done what he’s done either,” said Betts, who made three starts at DH during his AL MVP season with the Red Sox in 2018. “I just think the best player that helps his team win – whether it’s all offense or all defense, that’s the MVP. The Most Valuable Player, that’s what it is. There’s no right or wrong. I do know without him we wouldn’t be where we are now. You can go with whatever you go off of. But I know we wouldn’t be here without him.”

The Dodgers have greatly benefitted from what Ohtani has brought to the team this year, and it’s fair to say they would be in a much different place without him. As Betts and Freddie Freeman have both missed time due to respective injuries, Ohtani was there to carry the load.

Betts and Freeman slotted behind Ohtani in the Dodgers lineup creates a trio of big-time bats that have all won MVP Awards in their careers. Ohtani is now chasing his third MVP crown, and his first in the NL.

Mookie Betts: Dodgers injuries not an ‘excuse’

For all of the impact Ohtani and Betts have had for the Dodgers, their postseason hopes largely hinge on a pitching staff that’s been patched together all year. After some progress toward getting back to full health, the Dodgers’ starting rotation is decimated yet again.

Tyler Glasnow won’t return because of a right elbow sprain, Clayton Kershaw is unlikely to pitch during the regular season, and there’s uncertainty with Gavin Stone as he’s trying to recover from shoulder inflammation.

Despite the proverbial deck being stacked against them, Betts said Dodgers injuries can’t be a reason for not winning games.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles DodgersMookie BettsShohei Ohtani
ByScott Geirman
Follow:
Scott Geirman is a journalist from Simi Valley, California, currently working as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and Angels Nation. After working as the Sports Editor for the Moorpark College newspaper, he graduated from Cal State University, Northridge with a Bachelor's Degree in broadcast journalism with an emphasis in political science. Scott has a passion for reading, writing, baseball, family, Mookie Betts, and being a father to his beautiful daughter. He is currently pursuing his career in the sports media industry.
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Ippei Mizuhara
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Did Ippei Mizuhara Graduate Or Attend UC Riverside?

March 24, 2024
March 25, 2024
Tommy Edman
Dodgers News

Dodgers Head to Miami on Tuesday for a Three Game Series Against the Marlins

September 15, 2024
October 31, 2024
Michael Busch, Nick Madrigal, Cubs win
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dave Roberts: ‘Defense Was The Difference’ In Dodgers Losing Series To Cubs

April 8, 2024
April 8, 2024
Mookie Betts
FeaturedVideo

Dodgers Video: Mookie Betts Bowls Perfect Game After 30th Birthday

October 10, 2022
October 10, 2022

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어