They followed a familiar script to hand out the World Series rings again this year – with a surprise ending.

The two biggest offseason acquisitions by the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are paying dividends already.

The Los Angeles Dodgers slipped glittering World Series championship rings on their fingers to celebrate their second straight title Friday night in a pregame ceremony. Shohei Ohtani removed his ring from a blue box that includes a video playing highlights from last year’s postseason run that culminated in a Game 7 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Los Angeles Dodgers slipped glittering World Series championship rings on their fingers to celebrate their second straight title Friday night in a pregame ceremony.

Kershaw took the mound at Dodger Stadium for the first time since he retired, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Freddie Freeman -- the one who removed the legendary left-hander from his final...