PHOENIX — Since switching teams, Shohei Ohtani’s life has taken a remarkable turn as he achieves record-breaking stats with a high-profile franchise, competes in his initial playoff race, and prepares to step onto the field where he first gained international fame.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are starting a two-game series against Ohtani’s old team, the Los Angeles Angels, at Angel Stadium. This marks Ohtani’s first return since signing a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million deal—the largest in North American sports history.

The Angels and their fans can only feel a sense of jealousy as Ohtani arrives, now part of a team with the best record in baseball, showcasing unprecedented achievements with 44 home runs and 46 stolen bases.

Even the most devoted Angels supporters cannot find it in themselves to criticize Ohtani for joining their cross-town rivals.

“This place holds special meaning for me,” Ohtani shared, after he stole three bases in the Dodgers’ recent 11-6 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. “I spent a lot of time at Anaheim Stadium. I’m truly looking forward to revisiting a ballpark where I spent much of my early career.”

It’s important to note that the Angels had the opportunity to keep him.

Ohtani had even offered the Angels one final chance to match the Dodgers’ proposal.

This call was placed by Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, to Angels owner Arte Moreno as negotiations were coming to a close.

If the Angels had matched the offer, Ohtani would still be in an Angels jersey.

However, the Angels chose not to pursue it.

Ohtani — an incredible asset for the Dodgers and the clear favorite to claim the National League MVP award — holds no grudges.

On the contrary, he feels thankful.

If the Angels had accepted the contract, he wouldn’t be enjoying the most thrilling phase of his life, with his fame in Los Angeles soaring to near Magic Johnson levels.

Was it a surprise that the Angels declined his offer?

“Not particularly,” said Ohtani, speaking through his interpreter, noting he also had a similar offer from the Toronto Blue Jays. “I’m just thankful and appreciative of the teams that decided to extend the contract as it shows what they think of my abilities. I’m grateful to the teams that recognized my potential.”

If the Angels had matched the offer, would Ohtani have remained with them for the entirety of his career?

“It’s hard to say,” Ohtani reflected. “Clearly, the offer didn’t materialize. So it’s more of a hypothetical ‘what-if’ scenario. I can’t comment beyond that.”

When asked about the Angels’ struggles despite his collaboration with Mike Trout and two MVP awards, he acknowledged that he also shares some responsibility due to injuries. He managed to pitch only two games over two seasons as he recovered from Tommy John surgery and missed 55 games in the past two seasons.

<p“There were seasons when we performed well together,” Ohtani said, “but there were also seasons when I was sidelined. Had I been available then, maybe the results would have been different.”

While the Angels face another year without a playoff appearance for the 10^th straight season, the Dodgers are nearing their 12^th NL West title in 13 years, having won three out of four games against the Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers (83-55) currently hold a six-game lead over the D-backs (77-61) in the NL West as only 24 games are left to play. With their victory on Monday, they also secured the season series and tiebreaker with the Diamondbacks, effectively giving them a seven-game lead.

Despite the San Diego Padres (79-61) still being five games behind, the NL West championship is nearly certain, as Ohtani prepares to enter the playoffs for the very first time in his MLB career.

“For me, it’s exciting to finally be in this position in the standings,” Ohtani noted, “competing against division rivals who are also aiming for playoff slots. So yes, it’s quite thrilling for me.”

The Dodgers, celebrating victories in 17 of their last 23 games and winning five consecutive series, have been playing exceptionally well, showcasing impressive offensive performances throughout the series against the Diamondbacks. They batted .338 and scored 32 runs, hitting eight home runs, seven of which came from Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts.

The Dodgers and D-backs faced off fiercely over the weekend, with a combined total of 67 runs scored in front of nearly 186,000 fans. Ultimately, it was the Dodgers who emerged victorious.

<p“Clearly, the intensity is evident from both teams in how they compete,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “To win three games and maintain a six-game lead against them is a job well done for us.”

“Looking back at recent weeks, we have battled against many talented teams vying for playoff spots. These teams feature strong pitching, and they treat every game against us like it’s the postseason, and we have risen to the challenge.”

Teoscar Hernandez had an outstanding performance, hitting .600 with four home runs and driving in 10 runs.

On Monday, left fielder Teoscar Hernandez recorded a five-hit game.

Mookie Betts, playing right field, added a home run along with three RBIs to the team’s total.

Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, who may well be the Dodgers’ top pitcher in the playoffs, allowed just one run while striking out seven batters.

Despite these achievements, manager Dave Roberts is still concerned about his pitching rotation. He is uncertain if three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw will play again this season or when Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto might return. He expressed that he felt more assured about last year’s rotation heading into the playoffs compared to the current one.

Nevertheless, the Dodgers are gearing up for the playoffs.

“I’m in playoff mode, and I know our guys are too,” said Roberts. “It’s going to be a lengthy playoff season for us.”

After being eliminated in the Division Series by the Diamondbacks last year and losing to the Padres two years ago, perhaps Ohtani will be the difference-maker this time.

He has long awaited a chance to showcase his talent on baseball’s grandest stage, which is set to happen in four weeks when he visits his former team.

“It’s going to be an emotional return for him,” said Roberts. “But emotions vary from person to person, and I believe he will handle returning there just fine and continue to contribute to our victories.”

“He has faced many challenges and come through them all remarkably well.”

All eyes will be on Ohtani, who has an impressive record of 44 home runs and 46 stolen bases in a single season—an achievement that has never been witnessed before, successfully stealing 25 bases without being caught.

“I admire his aggressive attitude,” Roberts noted. “His stolen bases create valuable opportunities. He is truly a team player and is focused on winning.”

Additionally, Ohtani would love to complete a remarkable 50-50 season before playoffs start.

“He’s on a mission,” Roberts stated, “and achieving the 50-50 milestone seems quite possible.”

Indeed, a new NL West title seems to be within reach for the Dodgers.

It’s possible there could be yet another face-off against the Diamondbacks in the first round, a team the Dodgers consider to be a strong contender for blocking their path to the World Series.

So, do the Dodgers now hold a psychological advantage if they face the D-backs again in the postseason?

“I would like to say yes,” Roberts replied, “but things didn’t go our way last year.”

October is almost here, and this time, Ohtani will be a part of it.