Shohei Ohtani hasn’t stepped on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers since the MLB All-Star Game in July. But that hasn’t stopped the Dodgers’ two-way star from being a contender for the National League MVP once again.
With Ohtani in the leadoff spot, the Dodgers remain among the favorites to win the World Series. The Dodgers have won back-to-back championships during Ohtani’s first two seasons in Los Angeles. The Dodgers currently hold a seven-game lead in the NL West with a 74-51 record.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is the biggest threat to Ohtani in the MVP race. He’s helped lead the Chicago Cubs to a 72-53 record this season as the the Cubs sit second in the NL Central behind the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Brewers not only remain the biggest threat to
PCA and the Cubs but also to Ohtani and the Dodgers. The Brewers won three of four games in a series against Los Angeles this week.
With both Ohtani and PCA having produced similar numbers at the plate, Here is where things stand with the NL MVP race:
Shohei Ohtani stats
Before Saturday's game, Ohtani is hitting .290 with 77 runs, 27 home runs, and 74 RBIs in 113 games this season. As a pitcher, he's posted an 8-2 overall record in 14 starts this season. He's allowed 55 hits, 21 runs (17 earned), and four home runs while striking out 95.
Pete Crow-Armstrong stats
Crow-Armstrong, a Harvard-Westlake High product, is hitting .279 for 86 runs, 27 home runs and 73 RBIs in 123 games this season.
National League MVP odds
Via BetMGM as of at 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 16
- Shohei Ohtani: -115
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: -105
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NL MVP odds: How do Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong compare?
