The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2025 season has been one of high peaks and low valleys so far through 25 games, which mirrors what much of the roster is working through at the moment.
Reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani has not been immune from the inconsistent play collectively demonstrated by the Dodgers over recent weeks. On a team full of stars, the Dodgers are often at their best with Ohtani as the catalyst for their lineup.
That was the case during their eight-game winning streak to open the season, especially with Freddie Freeman inactive for most of that stretch after aggravating his surgically-repaired right ankle.
Ohtani hit .333/.459/.667 and had 11 runs scored during that stretch to lead the Dodgers’ offense. But it has been a much different story over his past 15 games, with a .226/.304/.403 batting line and 21 strikeouts against just seven walks.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes Ohtani is simply trying to do too much at the plate instead of taking his normal approach, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I don’t know if he’s trying to do something, trying too hard,” Roberts added. “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.”
Ohtani potentially pressing was evident multiple times in Wednesday’s loss to the Chicago Cubs. In one at-bat, he failed to reach base after getting ahead in the count 2-0 as a result of uncharacteristically poor plate discipline and pitch selection.
While there are other problems contributing to the Dodgers’ 7-8 record over the past 15 games, the dip in Ohtani’s production at the plate lines up with their struggles. The Dodgers have plenty of areas to improve as a team, but getting Ohtani back to his usual form could help mask some of those issues in the meantime.
Shohei Ohtani feeling good during bullpens
While he still has restrictions on what he can do doing bullpen sessions, Ohtani is feeling good physically and is looking forward to facing live hitters once he is cleared to do so. He is cognizant of the Dodgers’ reasoning and agrees with the need to take a patient approach to his rehab on the mound.
Ohtani nevertheless has been encouraged by his health while continuing to throw regular bullpens.
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