Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers' two-way superstar, is facing struggles at the plate despite excelling as a pitcher. With a staggering 0.60 ERA leading MLB, he’s maintained an impressive performance on the mound, having thrown 30 innings without allowing a home run. However, Ohtani's hitting has dipped dramatically, boasting a .240 batting average and just six home runs this season. The Dodgers are now managing his workload differently than the Angels, opting to start him only as a pitcher at times, underscoring the team's priority to keep him healthy for the postseason.

By the Numbers
  • Ohtani's ERA: 0.60 (lowest in MLB)
  • Batting average: .240 (103rd among qualified hitters)
State of Play
  • Ohtani has not hit in three of his last four starts.
  • The Dodgers are managing his workload to optimize performance for October.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the Dodgers will navigate the balance of Ohtani's dual roles, likely adjusting his participation based on performance and health to ensure he is a key asset in the playoffs. Fans can expect adjustments to his game schedule, depending on how he adapts to this new management style.

Bottom Line

Ohtani remains a phenomenal talent in baseball, but the recent changes in his role may indicate a period of adjustment as the Dodgers prioritize long-term health over immediate performance. This situation highlights the reality that even extraordinary players can face limitations.