Will Smith Calls Shohei Ohtani The “Best Player That’s Ever Walked This Earth” Following His Impressive 2-Way Performance

Shohei Ohtani threw 6 scoreless innings and reached base 5 times through 3 singles and 2 walks in the Dodgers' 7-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Will Smith Calls Shohei Ohtani The “Best Player That’s Ever Walked This Earth” Following His Impressive 2-Way Performance

Will Smith and Shohei Ohtani (Image via MLB)

Shohei Ohtani is in a league of his own. The Los Angeles Dodgers star once again impressed the fans with a strong 2-way performance on Wednesday. His teammate Will Smith later called him the “best player that’s ever walked this earth” while lauding him.

This season, Ohtani has fully taken over his 2-way role. Last year, he resumed pitching in June after playing just as the designated hitter (DH) in the 2024 season.

While he did have a slump in the offensive part, his pitching has been rock solid this year. At the start of the season, his manager, Dave Roberts, expressed that the Japanese international was expecting himself to be in Cy Young Award conversations.

He has certainly made a strong case for that. On Wednesday, he was back on the mound as the Dodgers took on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Once again playing as a 2-way player and was in the DH spot for the team.

The reigning National League MVP went on to throw 6 scoreless innings. He gave up just 2 hits and 1 walk while picking up 6 strikeouts. This saw him lower his season ERA to 0.74 in 61 innings.

As for his batting, he went 3-for-4 with 2 walks. While he did not have any home runs in this game, he reached base 5 times.

Ohtani is 6-2 in 10 starts as a pitcher this year. As a hitter, he is batting with a .301 average with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs.

This strong display has once again made him the favorite for the NL MVP award. Following the Dodgers’ 7-0 win over the Diamondbacks, Will Smith was asked about Ohtani’s performance. The catcher told the reporters that he was the “best player that’s ever walked the earth” and praised him.

He’s the best player that’s ever walked this earth. It’s fun to see him each and every day going out there and competing, giving us six scoreless innings, getting on base a bunch. You don’t do that all the time.

Will Smith told the reporters regarding Shohei Ohtani

As per Roberts, Ohtani will have a day off on Thursday and will not bat. Smith, meanwhile, will play as the DH.

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Dave Roberts hails Shohei Ohtani’s mindset following another strong pitching performance

Shohei Ohtani once again reminded the world that he is not only one of the best hitters in the game but also a top pitcher. He threw another gem on Wednesday and gave up just 2 hits in 6 scoreless innings. Dave Roberts later hailed the mindset of his superstar.

Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani
Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani (Image via Dodger Blue)

In the conversation with the media, Roberts pointed out that he (Ohtani) tries to throw a shutout in every game. This mindset and mentality are something that have impressed him a lot.

I think a lot of starting pitchers, you feel your way into the game, give up a couple early, and you bear down. But I’ve noticed with Shohei, every run is a premium. He’s literally trying to throw a shutout every time out there, where I don’t know that every starter has that mindset.

Dave Roberts said regarding Shohei Ohtani

Ohtani’s 0.74 ERA through 10 starts is one of the lowest in MLB history. As per insider Jeff Passan, only Jacob DeGrom (0.56 in 2021) and Juan Marichal (0.59 in 1966) had a lower ERA through 10 starts than him.

A victory on Thursday would see the Dodgers win the 4-game set against their division rivals. After that game, they will take on their rivals, the Los Angeles Angels, in a 3-game set at Dodger Stadium. At the moment, Ohtani is not listed as a starter against his former club.

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