The most valuable player on any MLB team roster is Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, considering the Japanese-born superstar is currently under contract for $750 million and is highly regarded as the best of this generation.
That is to say, the Dodgers bat boy might have just saved the organization's number one asset during Wednesday night's 4-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
In view of the viral incident, a foul ball came flying into the away team's dugout headed right for Ohtani, who went to try and duck out of the way, luckily the bat boy acted as his shield and protected him with ninja-like reflexes.
Give that kid a raise. He just saved Shohei Ohtani’s life.
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) June 27, 2024
Talk about a freak accident that could have ended badly, the bat boy, who has been identified as Javier Herrera, was at the right place at the right time to be a hero. Luckily, he was locked in and caught the liner with his bare hands, before any damage or injuries occurred, as the ball surely could have hit the Dodgers' best player in the head.
Foul ball from Enrique Hernandez, snagged by Dodgers Bat Boy, Javier Herrera (see below), protecting Shohei Ohtani. https://t.co/Vg4hSf5buZ pic.twitter.com/iEtygx7ARH
— Tony Wuench (@twuench) June 27, 2024
Immediately following what occurred, Ohtani appeared in shock and showed appreciation to Herrera, who saved his life, and everyone since has acknowledged that this was the play of the night. With this in mind, the kid acted like he did this before, showing no emotion as he subsequently gave the ball off to a fan nonchalantly.
Ohtani went 1-for-2 with a home run, scored two runs. To note, in the last 10 games, he has now contributed eight homers, 17 RBI's, and 14 runs.
On the season, Ohtani is batting a career-high .322 (2nd in MLB), and as of right now, he is third in the league for home runs (25), fifth in RBI's (61), and second in OPS (1.045).
As for the bat boy, who made the incredible play and saved the day, some said the manager, Dave Roberts, should give him a shot, maybe think about putting him in the Dodgers lineup.
Bare handed?? Put that kid at Shortstop until Mookie Betts comes back https://t.co/AOvgyY8QHy
— Mr. RF Bleachers (@MrRFBleachers) June 27, 2024
Related: Shohei Ohtani's Parents Raised A Humble Superstar
