Shohei Ohtani might be a superstar, but at Dodger Stadium, there’s another Ohtani soaking up the love. Meet Decoy, his pet dog. He has become a fan favorite and the team’s unofficial good luck charm. Ohtani loves showing off their bond, and the latest example? A heartwarming gift from Kenta Maeda—an adorable T-shirt featuring a doodle of Ohtani and Decoy. Ohtani was touched, but he had one special request for Maeda. Can you guess?

It was too adorable for Ohtani not to share his new t-shirt with the fans over Instagram. Shohei Ohtani has not stopped sharing his photo donning the prized t-shirt, but he also made a special request to the creator. Shotime made a public request to Maeda to sign the t-shirt as well, reflecting how he got fond of it and his deep admiration for the latter. Maeda is senior to Ohtani, and he shined with the Dodgers before Ohtani’s show began. He is currently playing for the Tigers. While Ohtani’s relationship with his decoy is well known, his admiration for Maeda is what caught everyone’s eyes. 

Shohei Ohtani has made several appearances over the years, demonstrating his affection for his doggo. However, spending time with Decoy to celebrate the 2024 World Series win was the most adorable moment. Now that Decoy is the source of optimism for Ohtani, the Dodgers fans are pinning their hope on the latter. Yes, for the fans, Ohtani is the biggest hope. His speculated return as a two-way player is further making the fans anticipate him. So, what’s ahead for Ohtani and the Dodgers this year?

Ohtani’s two-way excellence is set to return 

The long-awaited return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound is starting to take form. At DodgerFest, the Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, stated that Ohtani is probably going to start pitching again in May. Ohtani is still recovering from surgery on his left shoulder in November, and he didn’t pitch at all during his first season with the Dodgers while he healed from a 2023 UCL repair on his right elbow. “It might be earlier,” Roberts added. Well, Ohtani is not returning as a two-way player in the upcoming Tokyo Series, but once the regular season kicks in, fans can expect pitches from him.

Will Ohtani’s return to pitching help the Dodgers? Considering the Dodgers’ pitching depth—Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, and Bobby Miller—they are not in a hurry to get back Ohtani. However, behind the starting rotation, Ohtani’s fireballs will be a potent option. The Dodgers are also eyeing their second consecutive World Series after their triumphant offseason. Ohtani’s return to the mound is the best that the Dodgers can currently get. Anticipation is high to replicate Ohtani and Decoy’s World Series celebration in 2025.

With the Dodgers favorite to win the ring this year, it’s just about time that Ohtani touches a few more milestones. The face of the MLB, indeed. 

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