Shohei Ohtani’s wife turns heads as she makes rare appearance after Dodgers win NL West title

SHOHEI Ohtani celebrated with his wife Mamiko after the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West division title.

The Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 7-2 on Thursday to win their division for the 11th time in 12 seasons.

Ohtani , 30, was overjoyed upon the game’s conclusion.

The Japanese superstar is incredibly set for his first playoff campaign, having never reached the postseason with the Los Angeles Angels.

He ditched the Angels for the Dodgers last summer, penning an eye-watering 10-year, $700million contract with his new team.

The MVP is seldom seen out in public with Mamiko, with the pair keeping their relationship very private.

But the pair celebrated together on the field as Ohtani marked his title win.

The loved-up couple could be seen beaming as they soaked in the special moment.

They also brought their beloved dog Decoy onto the field to celebrate.

Mamiko, 27, is a former professional basketball player.

She represented the Fujitsu Red Wave in Japan’s top flight between 2019 and 2023.

Ohtani wed Mamiko back in February, with the baseball star shocking fans with his subsequent announcement.

“I wanted everyone to know I am now married,” he wrote on Instagram

He was subsequently asked about his new wife during a press conference.

“She is Japanese,” he revealed. “I don’t think I need to announce the date we got married. She is a typical, ordinary person.”

He then added, “When I’m with her, I have fun. So I’m able to envision a future with her.”

Five key MLB rule changes in 2024

1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with bases empty.

2. When a pitching change is made, the innings timer will reset to 2:00 rather than 2:15 like it did last year.

3. Teams will only be allowed four mound visits per game in 2024, down from five last season.

4. Fielders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction.

5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.

Ohtani then hit back at any suggestions that his wife may have influenced his decision to move to the Dodgers.

“She said she will go wherever I go,” he said. “So my decision was based on where I want to play baseball.”

His decision to leave the Angels for the Dodgers has so far proven to be a good one.

So far this season, Ohtani has 54 home runs and 57 steals.

Last night, the Dodgers improved their season record to 96-64 with an 11-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies .

The Dodgers have two more regular seasons remaining before the playoffs begin – both against the Rockies at Coors Field.