Shohei Ohtani faces MVP challenge as pitching return nears

In Major League Baseball, the National League MVP race has intensified as Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has overtaken Shohei Ohtani in the latest MLB.com simulated voting. Crow-Armstrong leads with a significant advantage in Wins Above Replacement (WAR), holding the top spot in both bWAR and fWAR metrics. Despite this shift, Ohtani remains a primary contender, maintaining high rankings in OPS, home runs, and RBIs.

Ohtani, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is also nearing a return to pitching duties. Following recent bullpen sessions and live batting practice, media reports suggest he may be considered for a starting role as early as this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers are managing roster challenges, including an injury to outfielder Andy Pages, who underwent surgery for a fractured left hand. Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Pages' recovery, estimating a return in approximately four weeks.