Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim), who has been dominating the Major League Baseball (MLB) home run race, has met a strong competitor.
It’s Matt Olson, 29, the Atlanta Braves’ starting first baseman.
After hitting 17 home runs through May, Olson continued his hot streak this month with 11 in June and eight in July.
He finally moved into a tie with Ohtani for first place in MLB home runs with his 40th home run of the season on May 11 against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
The two players’ home run production trends have been mixed.
After hitting 39 home runs through last month, Ohtani has added just one more in nine games this month.
After hitting his 40th home run on April 4 against the Seattle Mariners, he has been silent for six games.
Olson, on the other hand, has hit four home runs in nine games this month.
Based on the current trend and the number of games remaining, American media are giving Olson a better chance of winning the MLB home run title than Ohtani.
“Olson has 22 homers in his last 45 games,” said MLB.com, “and if he keeps up his current pace, he could reach the 60-homer plateau.” 메이저사이트
Ohtani’s current team, the Angels, have 46 games remaining, while Atlanta has 49.
Only six players in MLB have ever hit 60 or more home runs in a single season – Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, and Jeter.
Only three players have reached the 60-homer plateau without resorting to PEDs: Ruth (1927-60), Maris (1961-61), and Judge (2022-62).