The Los Angeles Dodgers have endured a challenging period offensively, and superstar Shohei Ohtani has been no exception. Currently, the talented Japanese player, slashing .260/.345/.469 with an .814 OPS this MLB season.
Ohtani is part of a trio of Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in the Dodgers’ lineup, alongside Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, both of whom are also batting in the .250 range. While Ohtani’s slump has been the most noticeable among the three, teammate Betts expressed confidence that the reigning NL MVP will soon overcome this rough stretch.
“He’s human,” Betts said meaningfully after Wednesday’s game. The veteran outfielder added optimistically, “I think we’re all so accustomed to him never doing anything bad. Tomorrow, he can hit four homers. He’s one of those people that may go through a stretch, but we’ve all seen the other side of it.“ Betts’ faith in Ohtani’s ability to bounce back underscores the team’s continued belief in the Japanese star’s immense talent.
Manager Roberts suggests excessive aggression at the plate
Following Wednesday’s 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that Ohtani might be pressing too much at the plate. Roberts specifically referenced Ohtani’s at-bat in the sixth inning, with runners in scoring position and two outs.
“He had a fastball to hit and just got too big with the swing. Where all you need is a base hit right there,” Roberts explained. “I think a little bit this series, and even that last game in Texas when he came back, there was a little over-aggressiveness. The swing is a little bit longer than it typically is. I don’t know if he’s trying to do something, trying too hard. There’s a couple walks in there. But there’s other times where he’s getting himself out instead of taking a walk if given to him.”
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What lies ahead for Ohtani?
Ohtani is currently preparing for his long-awaited debut as a pitcher and two-way player with the Dodgers. Off the field, he recently celebrated the birth of his daughter alongside his wife, Mamiko. As Betts wisely noted, Ohtani is, after all, human—and this early-season stretch could simply represent an adjustment period for the Dodgers’ new centerpiece. Given his track record, it is only a matter of time before Ohtani reasserts his full impact on the diamond.
