As Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s pitching status wavers due to injury, Pete Crow-Armstrong ignites the MVP conversation.
Shohei Ohtani’s uncertain pitching status has created an opportunity for Pete Crow-Armstrong to strengthen his position in the National League MVP race. And the Chicago Cubs center fielder took full advantage Saturday and Sunday.
According to Aidan Gonzalez from ESPN, Ohtani’s return to the Los Angeles Dodgers mound is in doubt after a concerning bullpen session on Friday.
Ohtani, who has dealt with left knee and right biceps injuries, threw only 20 pitches, roughly 10 to 15 fewer than his normal between-starts workload.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Saturday morning that Ohtani is not 100 percent.
Roberts explained that Los Angeles must determine whether allowing Ohtani additional time to build back up is preferable to pitching him while less than fully healthy. He did not eliminate the possibility of a brief outing, but emphasized that protecting Ohtani’s availability as a hitter remains the priority.
“The hard part right now is trying to figure out, if he’s not 100 percent overall body, is it worth giving him a minute to build up or not?,” Roberts said according to Gonzalez.
Crow-Armstrong’s unreal season
Ohtani is hitting .280/.379/.529 with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs and a .909 OPS in 127 games. On the mound, the six-time All-Star is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 85.2 innings across 14 starts this season.
His limited pitching availability has provided Crow-Armstrong with an opening.
The 24-year-old is hitting .283/.377/.577 with 38 home runs, 91 RBIs and 32 stolen bases in 137 games while also providing outstanding defense for Chicago.
Crow-Armstrong delivered perhaps his strongest MVP statements Saturday and Sunday, as he went 6-for-11 with five home runs and eight RBIs in those two games.
On Saturday, the Cubs leadoff hitter launched three home runs for the first time in his career, leading Chicago to a dominant 17-5 home victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
He then hit two home runs in Sunday’s 7-5 loss.
The timing was particularly significant.
With one month remaining, Crow-Armstrong’s five home runs and eight RBIs in two games could resonate with Baseball Writers’ Association of America MVP voters.
Chicago still has 25 regular season games remaining and these two games could become defining moments for Crow-Armstrong’s MVP pursuit.
Can Crow-Armstrong surpass Ohtani?
Crow-Armstrong’s case extends beyond his offensive production.
His athleticism allows him to influence games in multiple ways, particularly through elite range in center field and aggressive baserunning.
That versatility separates him from players whose value is concentrated primarily at the plate.
He combines power with speed and brings the defensive instincts required to control one of baseball’s most demanding positions.
Ohtani’s unique two-way ability remains difficult to match, but Los Angeles must prioritize keeping him healthy for the postseason.
A fourth consecutive MVP would add another historic accomplishment. A Dodgers World Series three-peat, however, remains the larger objective.
