Shohei Ohtani May 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Through the first two months of his Los Angeles Dodgers career, outfielder Shohei Ohtani has continued the elite level of play that nabbed him a record-setting 10-year $700 million contract last December.

Entering play Monday, Ohtani is second in the National League in Fangraphs WAR with 3.0, trailing only teammate Mookie Betts’ 3.3. Ohtani is also leading the NL with his .336 batting average and has the third-most home runs in the league with 13.

All of this alone is nearly enough to justify Ohtani’s mega-deal. Still, then you remember that the two-time American League MVP is also one of the best starting pitchers in baseball when he’s healthy.

Ohtani has yet to pitch a single inning for the Dodgers as he recovers from Tommy John Surgery performed in September 2023.

Before Monday’s game against the New York Mets, which was later postponed, Ohtani provided an update on his recovery through his interpreter. “Just progressively increasing the distance,” Ohtani said, via ESPN. “Usually anywhere from 60-70 pitches, in that distance. Just continuing to increase the distance and the pitches, and just seeing where that goes. I’m not quite sure how far I’m going to go out there, but that’s the progression.”

Ohtani isn’t expected to be ready to pitch again until the 2025 season, but the Dodgers have managed just fine without him, with their 3.42 team ERA ranking third in the NL.

[ESPN]