Dodgers update on Shohei Ohtani pitching again has major MVP implications originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Tarik Skubal at the MLB trade deadline to bolster their already stacked rotation. But since Shohei Ohtani wasn't back to pitching, it was actually a need they had to address.
Since Ohtani's been away from the mound, Pete Crow-Armstrong for the Chicago Cubs has made a valiant effort to try to steal the NL MVP award away from Ohtani. If Ohtani doesn't return to pitching, there's a real chance he's not going to be the MVP this year.
However, the latest update, which USA Today's Bob Nightengale revealed, is some good news. With a projected return to the mound for Ohtani set for September, the MVP race might swing back Ohtani's way after PCA made up significant ground.
Shohei Ohtani pitching update has major MVP impact
"The Dodgers anticipate that Shohei Ohtani will be pitching again in September, barring any setbacks, which should also clinch his fifth MVP award as he returns to being a two-way player," Nightengale writes.
While Ohtani does need to pitch well after his return to the mound, there's no indication he'd struggle mightily upon his return.
If he can provide even a little bit more value pitching, even if it's just another couple of starts and his innings count climbing over 100 for the season, that might be enough to keep Crow-Armstrong from winning NL MVP.
MORE: Dodgers prospect Kendall George to undergo knee surgery months after viral bat dog incident
Their offensive numbers are very similar, and currently, Crow-Armstrong's incredible defense is doing some serious heavy lifting to make him even, if not ahead of Ohtani.
But that's only thanks to Ohtani not pitching for a while. If he can return to the mound, as Nightengale is reporting the Dodgers anticipate him doing this September, then Ohtani should be back in charge of the MVP race this season.
Depending on the timing of his return and how Ohtani performs back on the mound for the first time since early July, this MVP race could swing wildly in the final month of the season.
It's going to be an interesting race, and Ohtani's return to the mound will have a massive impact on how this race finishes this September.
More MLB news:
- Phillies receive slightly worrying 65% playoff odds projection from ESPN
- Red Sox get 8.2% chance to win World Series, which is more than Yankees’ odds
- Dave Dombrowski reveals why Phillies didn't trade for a righty-hitting outfielder
- Brewers ‘toyed’ with idea of trading for Padres closer Mason Miller
- Tigers feared Tarik Skubal’s trade market would disappear if they waited too long to trade him