Despite an unexpected absence from the lineup for eight consecutive games and an ongoing injury that prevents him from pitching, Shohei Ohtani continues to be the undisputed frontrunner for the AL MVP award. His dominance this season has been so pronounced that earlier odds had him listed as a staggering -30000 favorite, implying that you would have to wager a whopping $30,000 just to win a mere $100.

The buzz surrounding Ohtani's remarkable dual-threat performance has been so deafening that recently, even major sportsbooks like Draftkings and Fanduel chose to remove the AL MVP odds from their boards.

The question on everyone's mind now is whether Ohtani is a lock to secure the AL MVP title despite his injury. The resounding answer from fans and experts alike is a resounding "yes!" His unparalleled achievements in both hitting and pitching, even before the injury, make him an exceptional talent, and his impact on the game is undeniable.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will undoubtedly remain fixed on Shohei Ohtani as he continues to dazzle fans and defy expectations. His journey to the AL MVP award, even while battling an injury, appears to be nothing short of inevitable, cementing his place as one of baseball's true legends in the making.