Shohei Ohtani Makes Home Run History in Latest Dodgers Win

As it turns out, Ohtani joined Judge in an exclusive club on Tuesday. Ohtani and Judge are the only players since 2000 to hit 30 homers before the All-Star Game on three separate occasions; Ohtani did so with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and 2023.

Judge, who hit his 30th homer on Sunday, previously accomplished the feat in 2017, 2022, and 2024.

Only four players in MLB history have hit 30 homers before the All-Star Game at least thrice: Ohtani, Judge, Mark McGwire, and Ken Griffey Jr.

“I just kind of stand back in amazement, actually,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented after Tuesday’s 6-1 victory.

Ohtani enters Wednesday batting .287 with 30 home runs, 55 RBIs, and an NL-leading 1.024 OPS. He’s also struck out three and allowed a single run in four innings.

“Just seeing it day to day and all it entails for him to get ready to play a game,” Roberts said, “[and you] kind of realize the expectations that he has on himself and still pitching and stay healthy, that’s kind of hard to wrap my head around, to be completely honest.”