Dodgers’ Otani Faces RBI Struggles Despite Stellar Performance, Manager Roberts Voices Concern
LOS ANGELES – Despite maintaining an impressive OPS and hitting 32 solo home runs out of his 46 total, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Otani is experiencing a concerning lack of run support, leading to a significant drop in RBIs and prompting criticism from manager Dave Roberts. otani currently ranks 87th in the league with his RBI total, a stark contrast to his overall offensive dominance.
The issue stems from a consistent inability to drive in runners, highlighted by a recent game where Otani went 2-for-5 with no runners on base. This echoes a pattern seen earlier in the season, briefly improved by the presence of infielder Kim Hye-sung, but resurfacing as the Dodgers’ lower batting order struggles to create opportunities. Otani recorded just 10 RBIs in March and April, surged to 27 in May with 15 home runs, but saw that number decline to 12 in August.
Roberts expressed frustration after the game, stating, “In such situations, it is necessary to keep the swing compact and use a large field to return the runners. If there is a small approach to getting the first goal, the developments will expand beyond that. That’s why it’s a frustrating experience for everyone.” The Dodgers’ offensive strategy relies on building momentum from the top of the lineup,but the team is failing to capitalize when Otani reaches base without runners ahead of him.
Contributing to the problem are hitters like Comfort, Freeland, Rushing, and E. Hernandez, all batting below a .100 average. While Pajes,with 78 RBIs,occasionally bats seventh,the Dodgers are struggling to consistently generate scoring chances for one of baseball’s most impactful players. Otani boasts a score of 125, but his last multi-RBI game occurred on July 27th.
Following the game,Otani spoke with pitcher Yamamoto Yushin,appearing to be in good spirits despite the team’s offensive challenges.The Dodgers will look to avoid a series sweep in their final game against the opposing team, with Cy Young Award candidate Skeenes scheduled to pitch.