Shohei Ohtani hasn’t been the automatic superhero Dodgers fans are used to, and predictably, local media is losing its mind. But a closer look at the numbers — and the context — shows the overreaction is outsized.
After a frustrating 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs, Ohtani missed an opportunity with runners in scoring position, and he’s batting .261 overall and .224 in his last 14 games. It’s not a scorching start like last year, but it’s hardly a disaster, especially this early.
Manager Dave Roberts shared insight into why Ohtani is struggling after the Cubs swept the Dodgers in their two-game series at Wrigley Field.
“It’s something we’re not used to,” Roberts said of Ohtani (h/t LA Times). “I don’t know if he’s trying to do something, trying too hard. “There’s a couple walks [he has taken recently]. But there’s other times where he’s getting himself out instead of taking a walk if given to him.”
Moreover, the baseball media has also pointed out Ohtani’s slump.
Ohtani carried the Dodgers through slumps and injuries a year ago, hitting .310 over his first 23 games. This April, he’s been solid but unspectacular, still collecting six homers, 15 RBIs, and a .261 average in those same 23 games. His production is down, but he’s not vanishing.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) after running against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field.
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Importantly, Ohtani isn’t the Dodgers’ only issue. The bottom of the order is hitting under .200. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts have slumped.
The starting pitching has been good at best, when it was expected to be elite. The bullpen has let games slip away late, and the team has made fundamental mistakes, including missed cutoffs, poor base running, and giving up too many stolen bases.
It’s natural for a star like Ohtani to get the headlines, but pinning LA’s recent stumbles entirely on him ignores the broader picture. Baseball isn’t built on one player’s hot streak or slump, and Ohtani’s track record suggests he’ll break out soon.
Media panic makes for good engagement. But the Dodgers’ issues are bigger than Ohtani’s swing — and they’ll need more than one guy to solve them.
