Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani recorded his first loss of the 2026 MLB season on Tuesday, but the defeat does little to diminish the remarkable pitching performance he has delivered thus far, placing him firmly in the conversation for the National League Cy Young Award.
Ohtani currently boasts an MLB-best 0.60 ERA, a figure that highlights his exceptional command and effectiveness on the mound. Through his first five starts, Ohtani’s 0.60 ERA places him among the best season starts in Dodgers history, ranking fifth-lowest.
According to MLB’s Sarah Langs, cited by Marca, only legendary Dodgers pitchers Fernando Valenzuela (0.20 in 1981 and 0.21 in 1985), Don Sutton (0.42 in 1972), and Jesse Petty (0.57 in 1926) have recorded lower ERAs through their first five outings.
His impressive start also positions him among the elite since the National League began tracking earned runs in 1912. Ohtani’s overall pitching statistics for the season reflect his dominance:
- Record: 2-1
- Strikeouts: 34
- Walks: 9
- Innings Pitched: 30
The Cy Young race heats up
Despite his league-leading ERA, a recent MLB.com poll places Ohtani third in the early Cy Young race. Ahead of him are Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Nolan McLean of the New York Mets. Skenes has compiled a 2.48 ERA through six starts, notably posting a microscopic 0.95 ERA over his last five outings. McLean, meanwhile, holds a 2.55 ERA. Ohtani’s closest competitor across Major League Baseball in terms of ERA is José Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels, who has an impressive 0.84 ERA across seven starts. Within the National League, Ohtani’s teammate Justin Wrobleski ranks second with a 1.50 ERA through five appearances, underscoring the strong pitching depth in the Dodgers’ rotation. As the season progresses, Ohtani’s ability to maintain this historic pace will be crucial. His current form suggests that even with a recent loss, he remains a formidable contender for one of baseball’s most prestigious individual pitching honors. The latest figures were updated on April 29, 2026. Sources: www.marca.comRead also: Michael Thomas, Sergio Agüero, John Stones: the goals that sealed football’s biggest titles
