PARIS (AP) — Standing on the medal stand with her third gold medal draped around her neck, Brittney Griner looked at the U.S. flag with tears streaming down her cheeks during the national anthem.
She didn't wipe them away until after the anthem ended, never trying to hide how she feels representing her country 612 days after the U.S. got the American star home after 10 months in a Russian prison.
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United States' Brittney Griner, left, (15) and United States' Kahleah Copper (7) block a shot form Sarah Michel Boury, right, (10), of France, during a women's gold medal basketball game between the United States and France at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (Gregory Shamus/Pool Photo via AP)
PARIS (AP) — Standing on the medal stand with her third gold medal draped around her neck, Brittney Griner looked at the U.S. flag with tears streaming down her cheeks during the national anthem.
Alexia Chery (6), of France, and United States' Brittney Griner (15) battle for a rebound during a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) shoots over Iliana Rupert (12), of France, during a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner, left, (15) and United States' Kahleah Copper (7) block a shot form Sarah Michel Boury, right, (10), of France, during a women's gold medal basketball game between the United States and France at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (Gregory Shamus/Pool Photo via AP)
The United States team celebrates their gold medal win at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) and United States' Chelsea Gray (8) celebrate after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) United States' Kahleah Copper (7) and United States' Kelsey Plum (5) celebrate after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) and United States' Chelsea Gray (8) celebrate after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) and United States' Chelsea Gray (8) celebrate after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
United States' Brittney Griner bites her gold medal at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner wipes a tear after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Not with all that this moment meant.
Griner didn't think she'd have this chance again.
“This one meant a lot to me," Griner said after the U.S. held off France 67-66 to win an unprecedented eighth straight gold medal in women’s basketball Sunday. "I mean, just having a chance to play for gold, represent my country, what my country did for me? Yeah, this is the highest on the pinnacle right here.”
This gold medal victory capped a long road back for Griner, who was sitting in a Russian penal colony two years ago not sure if she would ever get home again, let alone play basketball or compete in a third Olympics being held in Europe so close to Russia.
She had been sentenced to nine years behind bars for drug possession and smuggling in Russia, spending 10 months in jail before she was part of a high-profile prisoner exchange in December 2022. Griner, a Phoenix Mercury center who had been playing basketball in Russia during the WNBA offseason when she was detained, said she would never play internationally again except with USA Basketball.
Now, Griner has her third gold medal playing for the U.S. and plans to place this one next to her newborn son, Bash.
“It was a long journey, a hard journey to get back into it," the 33-year-old said. "I’m just happy that my body was able to hold up and be able to be here.”
Griner has learned to appreciate the little things at the Olympics more than she did the first two times she played in them, in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and in 2021 in Tokyo. In 2021, Griner led the U.S. with 30 points, the most points ever scored by a U.S. player in a gold-medal game.
That was three years ago, but Griner's ordeal in Russia left her appreciating the mundane details of each day.
“Waking up, going to practice, even when you don’t want to practice, having the opportunity to do that, because we overlook it," she said. "That’s the opportunity that we get to do and I just cherish every second I can now.”
During these Games, the U.S. pulled off another high-profile prisoner exchange hours before Griner took the court during pool play. Knowing that more Americans were coming home had her “head over heels” happy at their return.
Teammate Diana Taurasi, who helped lobby for Griner's return during her detention, stood two teammates away from Griner during the medal ceremony and anthem. Taurasi said she could sense Griner's emotions and called it almost “mind-boggling” that Griner got back to this point.
“She’s a person that is grateful for all the support that she got through all this,” Taurasi said. "And it wasn’t easy. And it’s still not easy for her. She still carries a big burden ... to make sure everyone gets out. She carries that burden really heavy on her back.”
During the game itself, Griner scored four quick points and finished with two rebounds in the win.
She celebrated the victory on the basketball court with lots of hugs, including from Lisa Leslie and others cheering on the Americans at Bercy Arena, essentially a road game for the U.S. with French President Emmanuel Macron in the stands.
"The gold (medal game) is just the icing on the cake, being in the Olympics ... as well,” Griner said.
Then came time to celebrate again as the Americans huddled at midcourt for photos. Griner took out a phone for the team selfie with her right hand, using her left hand to hold up her latest gold medal.
This definitely was a moment to be remembered.
AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed to this report.
AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
United States' Brittney Griner kisses her gold medal at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alexia Chery (6), of France, and United States' Brittney Griner (15) battle for a rebound during a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) shoots over Iliana Rupert (12), of France, during a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner, left, (15) and United States' Kahleah Copper (7) block a shot form Sarah Michel Boury, right, (10), of France, during a women's gold medal basketball game between the United States and France at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (Gregory Shamus/Pool Photo via AP)
The United States team celebrates their gold medal win at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) and United States' Chelsea Gray (8) celebrate after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) United States' Kahleah Copper (7) and United States' Kelsey Plum (5) celebrate after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) and United States' Chelsea Gray (8) celebrate after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner (15) and United States' Chelsea Gray (8) celebrate after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
United States' Brittney Griner bites her gold medal at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
United States' Brittney Griner wipes a tear after a women's gold medal basketball game at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Shohei Ohtani is getting closer to making himself the sole member of an exclusive club.
He's already the sixth player in major league history and the fastest ever to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases, needing just 126 games.
He’s the only player to hit the 40-40 mark in the same game. He did it in style, too, on a game-winning grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning on Aug. 23.
“He’s very goal-oriented,” Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He likes to take down records.”
On the horizon for Ohtani is potentially becoming the first member of the 50-50 club.
He blasted his 48th homer on Tuesday and has 48 stolen bases with less than two weeks remaining in the regular season.
Ohtani signed a $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers last December. The two-way Japanese superstar hasn’t pitched this season — his first with the Dodgers after six years with the Los Angeles Angels — as he rehabilitates after surgery for an injured elbow ligament that he had a year ago. That has allowed Ohtani to focus on his hitting.
Los Angeles leads the National League West and will be headed to the postseason in October, which will be another first for Ohtani. He didn’t reach the postseason with the Angels, and they never had a winning record during his tenure in Anaheim.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) steals second base ahead of a throw to Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, left, during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani runs from first as he steals second during the third inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, second from left, hits a solo home run as Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee, left, watches along with catcher Bo Naylor, right, and home plate umpire Dan Bellino during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Los Angeles, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, steals second base in front of Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, front left, in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, of Japan, connects for a home run as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Adrian Del Castillo, left, looks on during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, claps has he rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning of a baseball game Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, is hit by a ball thrown from home plate as he steals third while Baltimore Orioles third baseman Ramon Urias misses the ball and third base umpire Jansen Visconti watches during the third inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, center, hits a solo home run as Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, left, and catcher James McCann, right, watch during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with Teoscar Hernández (37) after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. Miguel Rojas also scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with teammates after hitting a grand slam during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. The Dodgers won 7-3. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after stealing second base during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) steals second base during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, gestures after stealing second during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Le)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, steals second base past Milwaukee Brewers' Brice Turang during the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, watches his home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Le)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani follows through on a home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Le)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) runs to first after hitting a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John McCoy)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, steals third base during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Oakland Athletics second baseman Darell Hernaiz (2) is unable to catch the throw from catcher Shea Langeliers as Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani steals second during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oakland Athletics second baseman Darell Hernaiz, left, catches a throw from catcher Shea Langeliers as Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) steals second during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani tosses his bat after hitting a three-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) steals second base ahead of the throw to San Diego Padres second baseman Xander Bogaerts (2) during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, left, misses a tag as Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) steals second during the ninth inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani watches his solo home run leave the park during the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, hits a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Thursday, July 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
San Francisco Giants second baseman Brett Wisely, second from right, tags out Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, on a steal-attempt during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, July 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani tosses his bat after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani safely beats the throw to Detroit Tigers second baseman Colt Keith to steal second during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani heads to the dugout after a solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, steals second past Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, left, heads to first for a solo home run as Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Bryan Hudson, second from left, and catcher William Contreras, right, watch along with home plate umpire Edwin Moscoso during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani steals third during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani tosses his bat after hitting a go-ahead two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani watches his solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 29, 2024, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani watches his home run against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game aWednesday, June 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a home run off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Flexen during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, heads to first for a two-run home run as Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Zach Plesac watches during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Los Angeles, Friday, June 21, 2024. Austin Barnes also scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ty Blach in the first inning of baseball game Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani watches his solo home run off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Austin Gomber during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, slides safely into second base for a steal as Colorado Rockies second baseman Adael Amador, left, fields the throw in the eighth inning of a baseball game Monday, June 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, left, is congratulated by Teoscar Hernández after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, second from left, hits a solo home run as Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer, left, and catcher Freddy Fermin, right, watch along with home plate umpire Ryan Additon during the third inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates his solo-home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, second from left, hits a two-run home run as Texas Rangers relief pitcher Grant Anderson, left, watches along with catcher Jonah Heim, right, and home plate umpire Nick Mahrley during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, steals second as Texas Rangers shortstop Ezequiel Duran, left, takes a late throw while second base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt watches during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run off Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes during the third inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, follows through on a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, steals second base past Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Kevin Newman during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani steals third base during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) steals second base ahead of a throw to Cincinnati Reds second baseman Santiago Espinal (4) during the first inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, right, is congratulated by Freddie Freeman after his solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Los Angeles, Monday, May 6, 2024. Mookie Betts also scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in Los Angeles, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates with third base coach Dino Ebel (91) after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in Los Angeles, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) steals second during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in Los Angeles, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a solo home run next to Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, April 26, 2024, in Toronto. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he runs the bases for his solo home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Washington. The Dodgers won 4-1. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani celebrates after his two-run home run in the dugout during the third inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets in Los Angeles, Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) steals second ahead of a throw to New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani steals second base against the San Diego Padres during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Friday, April 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is sprinkled with sunflower seeds after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, April 5, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani heads to first after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
