Shohei Ohtani smashes 40th home run for the Dodgers, clinching historic feat and solidifying his place as MVP contender with his relentless season performance.
In a stunning display of power and consistency, Los Angeles Dodgers' phenom Shohei Ohtani has shattered the franchise's record for the fastest player to reach 40 home runs in a single season. This remarkable achievement came during the Dodgers' game against the Toronto Blue Jays, where Ohtani slugged a walk-off grand slam in just 117 games[1][2][5].
Ohtani's 40th homer not only broke his own previous record of 129 games but also outpaced the performances of Dodgers greats such as Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, and Shawn Green, who each had multiple 40-home run seasons[1][2]. In fact, Ohtani is now the only active Dodger with four 40-home run seasons, and he has achieved this feat with three consecutive seasons of at least 40 homers[1][2].
Aaron Judge, with 37 homers, is close to joining this elite club, aiming to become the fifth active player with four 40-home run seasons[6]. However, Ohtani's current pace sets a high bar for Judge and other power hitters.
The Dodgers, with their star player's historic performance, currently hold a three-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West[7]. The team's manager, Dave Roberts, praised Ohtani's 40th homer, calling it one of the best swings he's ever seen[8].
| Player | Fastest to 40 HR (Games) | Multiple 40-HR Seasons | Notes | |----------------|--------------------------|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Shohei Ohtani | 117 | 4 (3 consecutive) | Fastest in Dodgers history, active player | | Previous Dodgers records | >117 (e.g., Ohtani’s 129 last year) | 3 (Snider, Green, Hodges) | Hall of Famers and notable sluggers |
This comparison underscores Ohtani’s historic power-hitting ability relative to Dodgers franchise legends and current stars[1][2][5].
Meanwhile, Blake Snell, returning from a four-month absence with shoulder inflammation, also made a strong impact in his second start. Snell struck out 10 batters in five shutout innings[3]. The Dodgers went on to win the game 9-1[4].
With Ohtani's historic season and the team's solid performance, the Dodgers are poised for a strong finish in the NL West and a potential deep run in the playoffs.
[1] Los Angeles Times: Shohei Ohtani breaks Dodgers record for fastest to 40 home runs [2] ESPN: Shohei Ohtani breaks Dodgers' record for fastest 40-home run season [3] MLB.com: Blake Snell strikes out 10 in five shutout innings in return [4] CBS Sports: Dodgers defeat Blue Jays 9-1 in game featuring historic homer by Ohtani [5] Sports Illustrated: Shohei Ohtani breaks Dodgers' record for fastest 40-home run season [6] MLB.com: Aaron Judge closing in on fourth 40-home run season [7] USA Today: Dodgers maintain three-game lead over Padres in NL West [8] Dodgers Nation: Dave Roberts praises Shohei Ohtani's 40th homer
- Shohei Ohtani's historic 40th home run break his own previous record, set last season, for the fastest player to reach 40 home runs in a single season, doing so in just 117 games.
- Ohtani's remarkable achievement surpassed the performances of Dodgers greats such as Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, and Shawn Green, who each had multiple 40-home run seasons.
- With this feat, Ohtani is now the only active Dodger with four 40-home run seasons, and he has achieved this with three consecutive seasons of at least 40 homers.
- Aaron Judge, with 37 homers, is aiming to become the fifth active player with four 40-home run seasons, following in the footsteps of Ohtani.
- The Dodgers, currently holding a three-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West, are poised for a strong finish in the season and a potential deep run in the playoffs.
- Dave Roberts, the team's manager, praised Ohtani's 40th homer, calling it one of the best swings he's ever seen.
- Meanwhile, in a separate MLB news, Blake Snell, returning from a four-month absence with shoulder inflammation, made a strong impact in his second start, striking out 10 batters in five shutout innings.
