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PHOTO COLLECTION: Shohei Ohtani chases historic 50-50 club in home runs and stolen bases - Home runs

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PHOTO COLLECTION: Shohei Ohtani chases historic 50-50 club in home runs and stolen bases - Home runs
News

News

PHOTO COLLECTION: Shohei Ohtani chases historic 50-50 club in home runs and stolen bases - Home runs

2024-09-20 15:33 Last Updated At:15:41

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting his 50th home run of the season during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting his 50th home run of the season during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) congratulated by teammates after he hit a home run scoring Andy Pages, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) congratulated by teammates after he hit a home run scoring Andy Pages, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting his 50th home run of the season during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting his 50th home run of the season during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a home run scoring Andy Pages off of Miami Marlins pitcher George Soriano (62) during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a home run scoring Andy Pages off of Miami Marlins pitcher George Soriano (62) during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) looks up after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) looks up after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run scoring Andy Pages, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run scoring Andy Pages, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

A pedestrian reads an extra edition of the Sports Hochi newspaper reporting on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A pedestrian reads an extra edition of the Sports Hochi newspaper reporting on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Pedestrians line up to obtain an extra edition of the Sports Nippon newspaper reporting on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Pedestrians line up to obtain an extra edition of the Sports Nippon newspaper reporting on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) hits his 51 home run of the season during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) hits his 51 home run of the season during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, hits a home run scoring Hunter Feduccia during the third inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, hits a home run scoring Hunter Feduccia during the third inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

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 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, 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' 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 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 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, 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 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, 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' 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 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) 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, 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 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 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 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) 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 (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 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 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' 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 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 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)

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)

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 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 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 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, 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' 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 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 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' 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 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 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' 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 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 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 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, 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, 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' 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 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, 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 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 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, 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 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 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' 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' 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 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 (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 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) 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) 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 (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 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' 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' 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' 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 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' 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 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)

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Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting his 50th home run of the season during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting his 50th home run of the season during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) congratulated by teammates after he hit a home run scoring Andy Pages, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) congratulated by teammates after he hit a home run scoring Andy Pages, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting his 50th home run of the season during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting his 50th home run of the season during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a home run scoring Andy Pages off of Miami Marlins pitcher George Soriano (62) during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hits a home run scoring Andy Pages off of Miami Marlins pitcher George Soriano (62) during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) looks up after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) looks up after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run scoring Andy Pages, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run scoring Andy Pages, during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

A pedestrian reads an extra edition of the Sports Hochi newspaper reporting on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

A pedestrian reads an extra edition of the Sports Hochi newspaper reporting on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Pedestrians line up to obtain an extra edition of the Sports Nippon newspaper reporting on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Pedestrians line up to obtain an extra edition of the Sports Nippon newspaper reporting on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) hits his 51 home run of the season during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (17) hits his 51 home run of the season during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, hits a home run scoring Hunter Feduccia during the third inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, hits a home run scoring Hunter Feduccia during the third inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

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 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, 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' 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 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 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, 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 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, 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' 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 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) 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, 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 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 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 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) 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 (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 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 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' 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 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 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)

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)

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 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 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 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, 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' 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 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 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' 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 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 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' 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 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 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 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, 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, 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' 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 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, 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 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 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, 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 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 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' 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' 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 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 (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 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) 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) 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 (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 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' 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' 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' 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 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' 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 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)

MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Mozambique is voting for a new president on Wednesday in an election that is expected to extend the ruling party's 49 years in power since the southern African nation gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

Daniel Chapo, 47, is the candidate for the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique, or Frelimo, seeking to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has served a maximum two terms.

Analysts say the strongest challenge to Chapo and Frelimo's dominance will likely come from 50-year-old independent Venancio Mondlane.

People also will vote for the makeup of Parliament and for provincial governors in a country of some 33 million people that went through a bloody, 15-year civil war that ended in 1992, and more recently has been shaken by an ongoing violent jihadist insurgency in the north.

Ending that insurgency and bringing stability to Cabo Delgado province — where 1.3 million fled their homes and more than half remain displaced — is a pledge by both leading candidates, while poverty, youth unemployment and government corruption are top issues for voters.

"I am still selling biscuits at a vegetable market here in Maputo to take care of my two children," said 35-year-old Felicidade Simao. “My husband is unemployed and we are struggling. I want the best for my children and the winner of this election must make the dream of a better life in the future.”

Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time and vote-counting is due to start right after polls close in the one-day election. Preliminary results from some areas are expected from Thursday, and the full results must be delivered to the Constitutional Council within 15 days of polls closing to be validated and formally declared. Around 17 million people are registered to vote.

The credibility of the election will be under scrutiny, with the leftist Frelimo party accused of ballot-stuffing and falsifying results in previous votes, including last year's local elections, where it was declared the winner in 64 out of 65 municipalities.

Frelimo has consistently denied the accusations of election tampering. Teams of regional and international election observers are in Mozambique, including from the European Union.

Frelimo effectively established a one-party state following independence and fought a civil war against the Mozambique National Resistance, or Renamo, for a decade and a half. The country, where Portuguese remains the official language, held its first elections in 1994, two years after a peace agreement.

Renamo is also contesting this election, with party leader Ossufo Momade, a military commander in the civil war, its candidate for president. The former rebel group has seen its popularity wane, while the peace between Frelimo and Renamo has been fragile, with an outbreak of more fighting in 2013. Momade and outgoing leader Nyusi signed another peace deal in 2019.

But tensions remain, especially between the two political parties that were once at war with each other.

The independent Mondlane, who broke away from Renamo, has focused his campaign on young Mozambicans frustrated with poverty and unemployment. The country boasts a long coastline of picturesque beaches on the Indian Ocean, but that vulnerable area has been battered by cyclones in recent years. A drought this year in the southern African region has left more than a million Mozambicans impacted by hunger.

Meanwhile, it emerged in 2016 that government officials and others had embezzled more than $2 billion in foreign loans that were kept secret, sending the economy into a crisis from which it is still recovering.

“All Mozambicans have high hopes from the new president,” said 69-year-old Baptista Antonio, who was one of the first to vote at an elementary school in the capital, Maputo, a port city on the east coast of Africa. "I was born during the colonial era and saw many transformations of the country from wars to development and all I can say is it’s a work in progress. There are many challenges ahead.”

Mondlane was aligned with a coalition of opposition parties, but they were barred from contesting the election, which raised accusations against Frelimo of attempting to control the election. Mondlane is now supported by a new party called Podemos, which means “we can” in Portuguese.

While Mondlane, a former banker, represents a fresh challenge to Frelimo, most analysts expect the ruling party to remain in power. It was declared the winner with more than 70% of the vote in national elections five years ago.

The Pangea risk company, which provides security and investment advice on developing countries, said Chapo's election has been "carefully stage managed" by Frelimo.

Chapo worked as a radio announcer and television presenter before becoming a law professor. He was the governor of southern Inhambane province — Mozambique's flagship tourism region — but was a surprise winner of an internal party vote in May to become Frelimo's presidential candidate.

Chapo would be Mozambique's first leader born after independence if he wins.

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

People queue to cast their votes during general elections in Maputo, Mozambique, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Equeio)

People queue to cast their votes during general elections in Maputo, Mozambique, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Equeio)

People queue to cast their votes during general elections in Maputo, Mozambique, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Equeio)

People queue to cast their votes during general elections in Maputo, Mozambique, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Equeio)

People queue to cast their votes during general elections in Maputo, Mozambique, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Equeio)

People queue to cast their votes during general elections in Maputo, Mozambique, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Equeio)

Supporters take part in a ruling party rally for presidential candidate Daniel Chapo, centre, ahead of elections, in Maputo, Mozambique, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)

Supporters take part in a ruling party rally for presidential candidate Daniel Chapo, centre, ahead of elections, in Maputo, Mozambique, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)

A woman sits between bread rolls in Maputo, Mozambique, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 ahead of elections to be held in the country. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)

A woman sits between bread rolls in Maputo, Mozambique, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 ahead of elections to be held in the country. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)

Independent candidate Venacio Mondlane, atop truck, attends an election rally in Maputo, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 ahead of elections to be held in Mozambique. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)

Independent candidate Venacio Mondlane, atop truck, attends an election rally in Maputo, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 ahead of elections to be held in Mozambique. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)

Supporters take part in a ruling party rally to support presidential candidate Daniel Chapo ahead of elections, in Maputo, Mozambique, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)

Supporters take part in a ruling party rally to support presidential candidate Daniel Chapo ahead of elections, in Maputo, Mozambique, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)

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