Shohei Ohtani is one extra-base hit away from joining Shawn Green as the only players in Dodgers franchise history to reach a remarkable offensive benchmark before September in three consecutive seasons.
Ohtani enters the final days of August with 59 extra-base hits, including 25 doubles, four triples and 30 home runs. According to OptaSTATS, one more would give him at least 60 extra-base hits before September for the third straight season since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Green accomplished the feat from 2000 through 2002, establishing one of the more unusual marks in Dodgers history. His production during that stretch gave the franchise a benchmark that Ohtani is now on the verge of matching.
The comparison is another indication of how productive Ohtani has been since arriving in Los Angeles. Through 123 games this season, he is batting .288 with a .388 on-base percentage and a .546 slugging percentage.
Ohtani has also produced 137 hits, 86 runs and 80 RBIs while maintaining his power at the heart of the Dodgers’ lineup. His 30 home runs account for more than half of his current extra-base-hit total.
The timing of his pursuit adds another layer to the milestone. The Dodgers are coming off a 6-5 walk-off loss to the Atlanta Braves, while rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki was placed on the Injured List after leaving the game with a blister issue.
Los Angeles still holds first place in the National League West at 80-53, giving Ohtani and the Dodgers plenty to play for as September approaches. His production has remained an important part of the club’s push toward October.
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Ohtani is also progressing toward returning to the mound. While his pitching comeback remains a separate part of his rehabilitation, his continued offensive production gives the Dodgers another reason to lean on him during the stretch run.
Now, just one extra-base hit stands between Ohtani and a place alongside Green in an unusual piece of Dodgers history.
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