MLB is getting swept away by buzz surrounding a new change in the bat that allows players to swing with a slightly larger barrel section. This has resulted in an increased amount of power called the “torpedo bat”.
That buzz is finding its way to the 8-0 Los Angeles Dodgers, who are always looking to improve and find new ways to gain a competitive advantage. Thus far, most of the Dodgers players have allotted not to order the “new” bats, which have been around for some time, but players have neglected to use them, except for Max Muncy, who was seen this week trying it.
However, Muncy experimented with the bat for two at-bats, then returned to his old bat and had a clutch two-RBI double to lift the Dodgers to a victory.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) rounds the bases after hitting a walk off solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Recently, Dodgers MVP Shohei Ohtani spoke to Japanese media and revealed his thoughts on the bat and if he would potentially try them out. Here is what he had to say, transcribed:
“I don’t think I’d suddenly start using it. I wouldn’t completely rule out the possibility, but I’m very satisfied with my current bat, and I feel like I’m getting the right feel from it. So, for now, I think I’ll stick with the bat I’m using.”
Ohtani is fresh off hitting a walk-off home run on his bobblehead night and has had 57 home runs in his last 167. He has to feel comfortable with his bat with numbers like that, and while other MLB players may need to use the bat to have more success finding barrels, Ohtani is doing just fine and is consistently among the league leaders in exit velocity.
