Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has faced some new challenges at the plate in 2026, but has looked more like himself recently.
Ohtani has broken out of his slump in a big way, hitting .313/.429/.522 in his last 30 games. Manager Dave Roberts believes his player has rectified the two biggest issues playing him as a batter this season, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I think he’s locked in on some things mechanically,” Roberts said. “I think he’s as fresh as he’s been in a while. His intent to use the big part of the field has helped. I think all of that has led to this nice run.”
The Dodgers have closely monitored Ohtani’s workload this season as he adjusts to pitching a full workload for the first time since 2023. The 31-year-old has also dealt with minor bumps and bruises over the course of the season.
He was seen shaking his wrist in early April, which prompted some concern from Roberts. He was also hit by a pitch on his right shoulder, and more recently, he’s been dealing with a blister.
Ohtani’s plan in the batter’s box was also an issue during his slump, which included a 4-for-38 (.105) stretch. Roberts noted the left-hander was out in front too often and trying to swing out of his slump during this time.
Ohtani’s contributions at the plate have helped fuel the impressive run L.A. has been on since the second half of May.
Shohei Ohtani shares similarities with Clayton Kershaw
While Ohtani has had his struggles at the plate this season, he has been lights out on the mound in his first full season with the Dodgers.
He turned in an excellent performance against the Colorado Rockies on May 27, tossing six innings with seven strikeouts and just one run allowed.
However, that particular start was more laborious than others for the right-hander. Ohtani’s command wasn’t particularly sharp, with only 57% of his pitches thrown for strikes, four walks issued and hit one batter.
The nine-year veteran was dissatisfied with the performance despite delivering six no-hit innings. In that regard, he reminds Roberts a lot of Clayton Kershaw and the similarities do not end there.
“I wouldn’t say he’s as animated as Clayton was, but he’s intense in his way and a certain expectation of excellence. Clayton certainly had that and Shohei has that,” he began.
“Preparedness, and when it gets hot, stressful, scoring position, they make pitches. That’s a similarity. Obviously, it’s hard to compare anyone to Clayton, given how long he did it for.”
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