While we were celebrating Shohei Ohtani’s incredible new record, guess what? He was setting his sights on the next big milestone! Fresh off his remarkable 43-43 club achievement, the Dodger’s star is on fire and may break another record before we know it. Sounds impossible right? Well, if it’s Ohtani, it’s possible! He has just stolen three more bases, including two back-to-back, in Monday’s 11-6 victory over their West League top rivals, the D-backs! And now, his stats are off the charts—44 homers and 46 stolen bases.

Can you believe how close Shohei Ohtani is to reaching that elusive 50-50 mark? Just last Friday, he joined the 43-43 club, and by Saturday, he was already adding another home run to his tally. Ohtani didn’t stop there, on Monday, he stole three bases in a single game! With this consistency, the new club looks well within the baseball star’s grasp. And guess what? Ohtani himself is confident about it!

What does Shohei Ohtani have to say about being so close to 50-50?

Shohei Ohtani is positive but he knows there is only one thing that can slow him down – any possible injury. So, now, he is all about staying healthy for the remaining season, “If I can play in as many games as possible while staying healthy, there’s a chance (of reaching 50-50),” Ohtani noted. Given his elbow surgery last September, we get why health is at the top of his mind. But even though Ohtani didn’t pitch this year, his hitting has been on fire—just check out his performance in Monday’s game.

Ohtani started things off with a powerful hit to right field. Later, he walked, and then, stole second base while facing pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. But he wasn’t done, the other two bases were back to back, and he got another hit in the seventh inning. Ohtani stole second base again, and then, on the next pitch, he zoomed to third base, beating the throw from the catcher. While it was a close call, Ohtani was all over the bases!

The Dodgers slugger was more happy for the team than his performance. “I’m glad if the steals lead to my team winning,” Ohtani remarked, and guess what? The big win was just what they needed to secure the season series against their division rivals, the D-backs! Shohei Ohtani’s excitement for his team is palpable, but the Dodgers manager might be even more fired up about his 50-50 chase.

Does Dave Roberts have something for Shohei in mind?

Dave Roberts, who’s still over the moon from Ohtani joining the 43-43 club, joked about giving him a day off, saying, “How would that go? Would that go over OK?” A break right now, when everyone is waiting for his new record? NO, it was just playful banter! Roberts quickly clarified that as long as the two-time MVP stays healthy, he’s not planning to bench him anytime soon. Well, that’s a relief; with Ohtani being in his top form this September, there is no way we want to miss any action.

Especially when the baseball slugger is all set to take on his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, in a two-game series. The series will be starting Tuesday at Angel Stadium. And the Dodgers star is more than excited, “I’m looking forward to it. It’s a ballpark where I’ve spent the longest. It’s special for me, and I’ll give my all”. Well, going back to his home ground, that too for the first time in a regular season, could be emotional. But Dave believes, “Emotions are relative to the person”, and he is confident the star player will handle it just fine. On top of it, this might also help the team snag a win.

Shohei Ohtani is currently just 6 home runs and 4 stolen bases away from a brand-new record. With 24 games still to go, the 30-year-old has got plenty of time to make it happen. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are cruising at 83-55, and if they keep up this momentum, they could clinch the division title. Imagine if Ohtani hits his mark and the Dodgers win big in the same season— it would indeed be historic, right? What do you think? Share in the comments below.