Dodgers beat Twins 5-2 on July 22, 2025, snapping a skid. Shohei Ohtani makes history with a 1st-inning homer after giving one up; Will Smith adds two HRs.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Finally, a reason to cheer at Chavez Ravine. After six straight losses at home, the familiar roar returned to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, as the Dodgers rode a wave of power and a truly bizarre, historic performance from Shohei Ohtani to a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. The win felt like more than just a single notch in the standings; it was an exhale for a team and a fanbase desperate for good news.
Shohei Ohtani became the first pitcher since 1979 to give up a homer and hit a homer in the first inning of the same game.
The game started with a jolt. Shohei Ohtani, on the mound, served up a leadoff homer to Byron Buxton. But in a plot twist only Ohtani could write, he stepped to the plate in the bottom of the frame and launched a go-ahead two-run homer of his own, making history in the process. While Ohtani only lasted three innings on the mound, his bat did its job. The real offensive star, however, was Will Smith. The catcher continued his torrid streak, blasting two solo home runs off Twins starter David Festa. With an Andy Pages solo shot and a spectacular game-ending homer robbery by James Outman, the Dodgers showcased the power and defense that had been missing during their home skid. Dustin May's stellar 4 2/3 innings of relief sealed the crucial win.
While the win was celebrated on the field, the front office was making waves off it. The Dodgers traded infielder Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds, officially closing the book on a once-promising LA career. In return, the Dodgers acquired minor league outfielder Mike Sirota and a valuable competitive balance draft pick. For Lux, a former top prospect who struggled with injuries and finding a consistent role, it's a chance for a fresh start. For the Dodgers, it's a clear move towards the future, stockpiling assets and clearing a roster spot in their perennially crowded infield.
The good vibes from the win were tempered by troubling news from the bullpen. Closer Tanner Scott exited Monday's game with a 'sting' in his forearm and is now 'most likely' headed to the injured list pending an MRI. The potential loss of their dominant closer is a massive blow. The front office is already scrambling, recalling pitcher Edgardo Henriquez and another unnamed young flamethrower while designating two other veteran relievers for assignment. With the bullpen suddenly in a state of flux, the pressure mounts on arms like Kirby Yates and Dustin May to handle high-leverage situations.
Even amidst the team's success, individual struggles persist. Mookie Betts spoke candidly about his offensive slump, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing his hitting with the defensive demands of playing shortstop full-time. While he remains confident, it's a situation worth monitoring. Meanwhile, the news on utility man Kiké Hernández was 'unfortunate,' according to Dave Roberts. His nagging elbow injury shows no signs of improving, leaving his return timetable completely up in the air and thinning the team's valuable depth.
Tuesday was a whirlwind of highs and lows. The cathartic win, powered by the team's biggest stars, was exactly what the doctor ordered. But the departure of Lux and the potentially serious injury to Scott are stark reminders that this team is a work in progress. Can they build on this momentum? And who will step up to fill the sudden, glaring holes in the roster? The Dodgers may be back in the win column at home, but the questions surrounding their championship aspirations are only getting louder.
