Shohei Ohtani Denied League-Leading 40th Home Run by Jaw-Dropping Catch

Ohtani had his sights sets on another homer, but Michael Harris II had other ideas.

For a moment or two, it seemed like it was going to be another majestic home run by Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani. Michael Harris II had other ideas.

The Braves center fielder denied Ohtani of what would have been his 40th home run of the season by timing his leap at the wall perfectly to keep the ball in the yard in the ninth inning on Monday night’s game. It would have been a three-run homer for Ohtani, who instead had to settle for a loud out.

The long fly out traveled 406 feet with an exit velocity of 101.2 miles per hour, according to Statcast. It would have been a home run in 15 out of 30 ballparks.

No. Fly. Zone. 🚫@MoneyyyMikeee robs one from Shohei. pic.twitter.com/nJETHCNQmY

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) August 1, 2023

Even when he doesn’t add to his already ridiculous home run total, Ohtani still helps the Angels win. The runner he moved up to third base eventually scored on an RBI single by C.J. Cron, providing some insurance in what became a 4–1 win for Los Angeles.

With his next home run, Ohtani would join Mike Trout and Troy Glaus as the only players in franchise history with multiple 40-home run campaigns. He came inches away from joining that club on Monday, but if the two-way star has taught us anything this season, his next dinger won’t require too long of a wait.