Imagine you’re returning to the gym after taking a long break. Suddenly your normal weights start feeling heavy. You know you can do better in your heart, but it just won’t happen. But then day by day you regain your strength until finally, you’re back to your best. How relieved would you be? That’s exactly what Shohei Ohtani is feeling right now. The superstar’s massive 430 ft home run (his first for the Los Angeles Dodgers) has suddenly made him feel like he’s flying in the air.

The fact that Ohtani had not hit a homer since last August was already an alarming tale. For 18 long games, Shotime, who won his second AL MVP in 2023, was searching for that one hit – that one pop of the bat that could erupt the crowd. But day after day, he couldn’t find the correct timing. The worst came when he popped off the ball when the Dodgers had filled all the bases. That turned Ohtani into a target of all rival fans. However, it seems now the pendulum has swung the other way.

The fact that Shohei Ohtani’s first homer came in his third at-bat must have increased his frustration even more. But now that he has hit it, he’s relieved. In a video posted by Dodger Blue, Ohtani said as much through his interpreter Will Ireton. 

“Honestly very relieved that I was able to hit my homer. It’s been a while and you know, honestly, my swing hasn’t been great so overall very relieved,” Ohtani said. The superstar then shared how happy he was to contribute in a closely fought game like last night’s. “Just being able to contribute in a 5-4 game and obviously it’s not just me but the overall team was able to really put up a good offense today so very relieved and happy about it.”

The Los Angeles Dodgers have now extended their season record to 7-2. Incidentally, they’ve scored at least 5 runs in every game this season. Could this be the start of something beautiful for the Blue Crew?

Shohei Ohtani’s return to form gives an ominous signal to Dodgers rivals

Coincidentally, the Men in Blue have started their season with a 7-2 record in three of the last four non-pandemic seasons (per Yahoo Sports). In one of those seasons, they won 111 games and in others, they won 106. Could the Men in Blue be in line to deliver similar blows to their opponents this year? For NL West this is another sign that the rift between them and the Dodgers has increased even more.

On the other hand, the team hasn’t been able to reach the World Series during those seasons. That makes one wonder – would Shohei Ohtani’s entry be what sets off the machine that leads them to the World Series? After all, the team scoring at least 5 runs in every game till now shows that their offense is firing on all cylinders. So while it is still just early in the season, dark clouds are already hovering over the teams set to go against this Blue Juggernaut.

Read more: WATCH: Shohei Ohtani Tips Cap to Giants Skipper, Ignores Longtime Rivalry in Ultimate Display of Respect