WATCH: Shohei Ohtani smashes NL-leading 35th home run amid MVP-worthy season

Shohei Ohtani hit home run No. 35 on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. crushing the ball in the third inning for a two-run home run. Ohtani regained the NL HR lead with his 448-foot majestic drive against Mitch Keller, which had an exit velocity of 113.9 mph.

Ohtani's drive was the start of carnage from Dodgers hitters, as they scored five runs in the third inning. At the time of writing, the score is 9-4 after the end of five innings.

Ohtani now only trails New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, who has 41 home runs, for a major league lead. Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves has 34. This season, the Japanese star has a slash line of .302/.389/.622 with an OPS of 1.011.

The Dodgers' leadoff hitter is one of the hot names in the running for this year's NL MVP honors. Despite playing purely as DH, Ohtani has a good chance to secure his third MVP after winning two in the AL while he was with the LA Angels.

Shohei Ohtani's pitching rehab leaves Dodgers' top brass impressed

Despite coming off a second major elbow injury, which has rendered him a hitter only, Shohei Ohtani is continuing his pursuits to get back to the mound and be the rare two-way star in the league.

Ohtani's rehab has now reached a point where he is doing intense catch sessions. It was only in March that he started throwing from 30 feet. Now, he's able to throw a catch from 150 feet at 85% intensity, according to ESPN.

Expectations are that Ohtani will start pitching from the mound in early September. He will then face live hitters and simulated one-two innings ahead of playoffs. However, it is highly unlikely that the Dodgers will make him pitch in the postseason, which means he will be shut down after throwing simulated innings.

"His ability to do both brings exponential value," general manager Brandon Gomes said via ESPN. "So let's just say the offensive side takes a small step back — that's still so valuable, that he can do both.

"Oh, and by the way, if his offense takes a step back, it's still MVP-caliber offense. Yes, he's had an amazing season. But the ability to do both is somehow still completely underappreciated."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has a perfect word for Ohtani's ability: "unicorn."