When the Los Angeles Dodgers needed him most, Shohei Ohtani delivered.

The 2024 NL MVP started his fifth game as a pitcher this season on Saturday in a 2-1 win over the San Francisco Giants, halting the Dodgers’ seven-game losing streak, their longest since 2017.

As important as it was to get back in the win column, Ohtani’s continued progress on the mound is more important in the big picture.

The Dodgers have been extremely careful with Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023, in his return to the starting rotation since his first action on June 16.

He pitched one inning in his first two starts, followed by two two-inning outings. On Saturday, Ohtani pitched a season-high three innings, striking out four batters and allowing one hit.

Through five starts, Ohtani has pitched nine innings, allowing one earned run with 10 strikeouts.