Ohtani takes batting practice on the field for the third time this season
- A metallic thud cut through the music blaring on the speakers and the murmurs of fans filing into the stands. It was quickly followed by gasps and cheers as those in the ballpark saw what caused it.
Shohei Ohtani has taken rare on-field batting practice amid a slow offensive start, which coincided with a dramatic performance in Game 4 of last year’s NL Championship Series. This time, he had already parked several balls in the outfield, including one that cleared the Right Field Pavilion roof, reminiscent of his two-way performance.
Ohtani, who entered the series slashing .241/.374/.418 with six home runs, now faces a challenge: balancing his batting routine with his desire to hit on the fly. After a slow start since April 26, he has cooled off even more in his past 16 games, recording only four extra-base hits.
From my perspective, Ohtani’s ability to see the path of the ball in the air is a critical skill for hitting players searching at the plate. His pregame work has helped him maintain energy, allowing other players to focus on their own roles in the offense.
However, the Dodgers’ reliance on Ohtani remains a concern. While he has set the tone from the top, there are still eight other players who could potentially be more effective. Manager Dave Roberts noted that relative to his performance and consistency, his work has improved, but there are still challenges ahead.
Personally, I think Ohtani’s third time on the field will be the charm, and his pregame work will translate into results he’s been expecting. If we take a step back and think about it, this highlights the importance of adapting hitters to different situations while maintaining their strengths.
