Shohei Ohtani focuses on team success amid Dodgers' loss and MVP talk

Shohei Ohtani contributed significantly to the Los Angeles Dodgers' 7-6 loss against the Chicago Cubs on April 1, 2026. He hit a leadoff home run and added a two-run homer late in the game, but the Dodgers succumbed to their sixth consecutive defeat. Regarding his MVP candidacy, Ohtani stated that his focus remains on team victories rather than individual accolades. He continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in July, and while positive about his progress, no timeline for his return to the mound has been established. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Ohtani's potential role as a starter upon his return, though uncertainty remains about his workload.

• 2:47 AMYahoo Sports — “Little Too Far Away”: Shohei Ohtani Reveals Where His Focus Lies Amid Injury Crisis and MVP Buzz