The Los Angeles Dodgers grabbed attention with their groundbreaking acquisition of Shohei Ohtani in the offseason, signing him to an unprecedented 10-year, $700 million contract. This significant investment underscored the team’s confidence in Ohtani’s abilities on the field.
Despite being sidelined from pitching this season due to an elbow injury, Ohtani has demonstrated his prowess at the plate, boasting an impressive batting line of .341/.385/.634. His offensive contributions include 10 doubles, a triple, four home runs, and an outstanding 1.019 OPS.
However, despite his impressive stats, Ohtani’s RBI count remains relatively low, prompting questions about his performance with runners in scoring position. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts has noted some unease in Ohtani’s approach in these situations early in the season and is looking to make adjustments.
Ohtani’s eagerness to capitalize on scoring opportunities sometimes leads him to swing at pitches outside his comfort zone. This plays into the pitcher’s strategy of attacking the strike zone early, often resulting in less favorable outcomes for the hitter.
Roberts suggests a subtle adjustment in Ohtani’s approach, advocating for patience at the plate and a willingness to work counts in his favor. This strategic mindset and adaptability are essential for success in both hitting and pitching.
With a slight refinement in his approach, Shohei Ohtani is poised to unleash his full potential and increase his RBI production, aligning with his remarkable overall performance.
