Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Challenges Shohei Ohtani to Improve Postseason Approach
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts publicly called for Shohei Ohtani to refine his hitting strategy following a Division Series performance he deemed subpar, despite the impending likelihood of Ohtani securing his fourth career MVP award. Roberts’ comments underscore the high expectations for the superstar and the Dodgers’ championship aspirations, placing significant pressure on Ohtani to deliver in crucial postseason moments.
While Ohtani is poised to win his third consecutive MVP award, Roberts emphasized that individual accolades will ring hollow if not accompanied by team success in the playoffs. the Dodgers manager specifically pointed to Ohtani’s at-bat quality as an area needing immediate improvement, anticipating opposing teams will exploit any vulnerabilities by consistently pitching left-handed against the right-handed hitting Ohtani in the upcoming National League Championship series.
Roberts noted Ohtani’s struggles began in the Division Series, contrasting with a Wild Card Series where, despite two home runs in the opening game, Ohtani also recorded multiple strikeouts. Across the Wild Card Series and the first four games of the NLDS, Ohtani registered only two total hits.
“Certainly, whatever opponent we face (in the NLCS), they’re gonna try to put as many lefties on Shohei (as they can),” Roberts said.”But hoping that he can do a little self-reflecting on that series, and how aggressive he was outside of the strike zone, passive in the zone. Just the at-bat quality needs to get better.”
Roberts believes Ohtani’s early struggles stemmed from unfavorable matchups and a tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone.”I think it started out with the unfavorable matchups. I thought in the Wild Card Series, he was fine. They weren’t gonna let him beat them. And I thought from the first pitch on in that Division Series, chasing in, off (the plate) kind of set the tone for that series.”
The Dodgers are counting on Ohtani to elevate his performance as they advance deeper into the postseason, with Roberts stating, “Hopefully with the hitting guys, himself, learning from that past series, and getting better. Becuase we’re gonna need him to be better.”
