LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers’ first game of the season — played against the San Diego Padres in South Korea in late March as the opener to Major League Baseball’s 2024 schedule — was overshadowed afterward by Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter hinting at his stealing from the Japanese superstar.
Their last game was followed by a beer-and-champagne-fueled celebration of the franchise’s eighth World Series title.
In between came a multitude of injuries — numerous setbacks to the rotation, as well as Mookie Betts’ broken hand and Freddie Freeman’s sprained ankle — Ohtani’s historic 50/50 feat, the franchise’s 11th National League West Division title in 12 seasons, and compiling the best record in the majors this year.
Then came the playoffs, where the Dodgers proved a resilient bunch.
They trailed division rival San Diego 2-1 in their NL Division Series and rallied to win in five games as it went the distance.