Wed Sep 18 03:23:32 UTC 2024: ## Ohtani Ends Homer-Steal Drought, Eyes 50/50 Milestone
**Miami, FL** – Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, snapped a four-game homer-steal drought on Tuesday, hitting a third-inning home run in an 11-9 loss to the Miami Marlins. This drought marked the first time Ohtani had gone four games without a home run or stolen base since June.
Despite the recent slump, Ohtani remains on pace to achieve a historic feat: becoming the first player in MLB history to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. With 48 homers and 48 steals with only 11 games left in the regular season, Ohtani is in prime position to achieve this milestone.
While acknowledging the potential significance of the 50/50 mark, Ohtani insists he isn’t feeling any pressure. “Just trying to maintain quality at-bats regardless of the situation,” he said through an interpreter. “It’s something I’ve been trying to do over the course of the entire season.”
Ohtani’s power has been undeniable this year, but his batting average and on-base percentage have dipped since August. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has noticed a shift in Ohtani’s approach at the plate, suggesting he might be pulling pitches more frequently in pursuit of the 50/50 milestone.
“I do feel that’s somewhat natural,” Roberts said. “I just think he wants to get it over with – but with the fact that he’s still trying to compete and help us win baseball games.”
Meanwhile, Ohtani’s potential return to pitching in the postseason remains a possibility. Though the chances are slim, Ohtani has resumed throwing bullpen sessions and could face hitters soon. He and the Dodgers’ pitching coaches will discuss his rehab schedule this weekend in L.A.
Ohtani’s pursuit of the 50/50 milestone and his potential return to pitching in the playoffs are just two of the many storylines surrounding this incredible athlete as the regular season winds down.
First Piper 