In a recent game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed significant concern regarding Shohei Ohtani's performance, particularly after the star player struck out four times in an 8-6 loss that extended into extra innings. This alarming outing has raised questions about Ohtani's health, as he has been dealing with a knee injury that has affected his play since the All-Star break.
Ohtani's struggles at the plate were evident during the game, where his inability to connect with pitches raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Observers noted that he appeared stiff and was late on an elevated fastball, which is uncharacteristic for a player of his caliber. Following the game, Roberts acknowledged the visible issues, stating, "I saw the same thing that everyone saw. You could see the swing wasn’t the swing that we’re used to seeing. He’s not close to optimal." This admission from Roberts underscores the gravity of the situation as the Dodgers approach the final stretch of the regular season.
Despite his ongoing knee issues, Ohtani has continued to play, opting to push through the discomfort rather than taking extended time off. However, Roberts indicated that a discussion with Ohtani and the training staff about potentially giving him a day off is warranted. While Roberts does not believe that a stint on the injured list is necessary at this time, the manager emphasized the importance of Ohtani's well-being, stating, "If he’s feeling the way that he visibly looks, then it’s really not helping anyone." This highlights the delicate balance the Dodgers must maintain between player health and team performance.
Ohtani's overall season statistics remain strong, with a .279 batting average and a .525 slugging percentage, but his performance has dipped since the All-Star break. In the 41 games following the break, he has managed a .250 average with a .476 slugging percentage. While these numbers would be commendable for many players, they represent a downturn for Ohtani, who has consistently been among the league's elite hitters.
The Dodgers, who have a strong roster and a solid record, can afford to manage Ohtani's playing time carefully as they prepare for the playoffs. The team's success hinges not only on their pitching but also on Ohtani's ability to contribute offensively. Losing him as a hitter would have a more significant impact than losing him as a pitcher, especially given the depth of the Dodgers' pitching staff.
As the regular season draws to a close, the Dodgers' priority should be ensuring that Ohtani is at his best when the postseason arrives. If resting him more frequently is necessary to achieve this goal, the team must be willing to make that adjustment. With the playoffs looming, every decision regarding player health and performance will be critical for Los Angeles.
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