Postseason Puzzle: Unraveling Shohei Ohtani’s Baffling Splits
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to face off against the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, a peculiar trend has emerged: Shohei Ohtani’s wildly divergent performance with men on base versus with the bases empty. The enigmatic slugger has mustered a paltry 0-for-19 record with no runners on, yet boasts an impressive 6-for-8 mark with men on.
The Paradox of Ohtani’s Splits
Manager Dave Roberts finds humor in the sudden shift in concerns surrounding Ohtani’s ability to produce with runners in scoring position. “It’s just funny how things change,” Roberts quipped. “Now we’re all trying to find ways to get guys on base so he can hit.” Ohtani himself attributes his struggles to occasionally chasing pitches, particularly against formidable lefties like Sean Manaea and Tanner Scott.
A Closer Look at Ohtani’s Approach
Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani took some questionable swings against San Diego right-hander Yu Darvish in the NL Division Series. However, Ohtani remains committed to his approach, refusing to let opposing pitchers dictate his strategy. “If I’m feeling good and the results aren’t there, then I’m not too concerned because there’s luck involved,” he said through his interpreter. ESPN Research reveals that Ohtani’s chase rate has only marginally increased from the regular season (26.6%) to the postseason (27.1%).
The Quest for Consistency
Despite his 6-for-27 (.222) performance with five walks in his inaugural postseason appearance, Ohtani insists he’s feeling good at the plate. He occasionally requires a “reset” to fine-tune his mechanics and ensure optimal results. Roberts remains confident that Ohtani will rediscover his groove in Game 3, citing the need for hitters to periodically reset and adapt to opposing pitchers.
Freddie Freeman’s Ankle Injury: A Day-to-Day Concern
Roberts also addressed first baseman Freddie Freeman’s ongoing ankle issue, indicating that he expects Freeman to play in Game 3. While the colder New York weather may exacerbate the injury, Roberts is adamant that Freeman will start unless his condition significantly worsens. As the Dodgers seek to regain momentum in the NLCS, the fate of their postseason run hangs precariously in the balance.
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