Ohtani Takes Unusual Batting Practice Amid Slump Before NLCS Game

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — At 5:37 p.m. on Wednesday, Michael Buble’s music welcomed Shohei Ohtani as he strolled to the plate holding a bat. The usually bustling Dodger Stadium remained silent, devoid of fans and an opposing pitcher. This solitary workout day came just hours before the Dodgers were set to resume their National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers, now just 22 hours away.

Ohtani, however, is not your average player. Known for almost never taking batting practice on the field, his decision to do so on this day signified a crucial moment for the all-star slugger, who has been struggling badly. In the past two weeks, Ohtani has only managed two hits in 25 at-bats, with a staggering 12 strikeouts. Hit hard by left-handed pitchers, he has faltered in making proper swing decisions.

“If I hit, we will win,” Ohtani quoted Dodgers manager Dave Roberts regarding the team’s success. “I think he thinks that if I hit, we will win. I’d like to do my best to do that,” he added in Japanese.

Ohtani’s struggles had not gone unnoticed. Following their performance in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Philadelphia Phillies, Roberts remarked that the Dodgers wouldn’t win the World Series with Ohtani’s current hitting woes. During that series, Ohtani struck out nine times, showing significant difficulty against left-handed pitching.

Despite being 0-for-2 in the first game of the NLCS, he did draw three walks, indicating a slight improvement. The following game, he achieved one hit while recording three more strikeouts, bringing his postseason total to an unsettling 15 strikeouts.

“The first two games in Milwaukee, his at-bats have been fantastic,” Roberts stated, expressing hope that Ohtani was on the path to recovery from his severe slump.

Although his batting average is low, his optimism shone through during practice. “I need to increase the level of my at-bats; I need to swing at strikes and not balls,” Ohtani stated candidly.

Questions surfaced regarding his performance as a two-way player. Ohtani’s batting seems to dip on the days he pitches. This October marks his first attempt at pitching in the playoffs, making the balancing act of both roles evident. Roberts acknowledged a probable link between Ohtani’s pitching and batting struggles but Ohtani maintained that he felt no direct correlation.

Working diligently to remedy his hitting issues, Ohtani took full batting practice—a rare occurrence. Out of 32 swings, he drove 14 over the fence, a clear sign of his determination to return to form.

In conclusion, each player’s performance is crucial as the Dodgers embark on their postseason quest. The coaching staff remains confident that Ohtani can rise to the occasion and contribute to the team’s success as they look ahead to their NLCS matchup.