Get ready for a thrilling story about Shohei Ohtani, the baseball superstar who's making waves in the playoffs! Ohtani's unique approach to batting practice has everyone talking, but is it a sign of something bigger?
In a surprising move, Ohtani took to the field for some on-field batting practice (BP) on Wednesday, a rare occurrence for this two-way player. But here's where it gets controversial: Ohtani has been in a bit of a slump lately, and some are questioning if his dual role is affecting his performance. Let's dive into this intriguing narrative!
Ohtani's decision to take BP on the field is a clear indication of his desire to turn things around. He's been struggling at the plate, with a mere two hits in 25 at-bats and an alarming 12 strikeouts since the start of the NL Division Series. Left-handed pitchers have been his kryptonite, and he's been making poor swing decisions.
Manager Dave Roberts has even gone as far as saying, "We're not gonna win the World Series with that sort of performance" from Ohtani, their $700-million slugger. Ouch! That's a bold statement, and it shows the pressure Ohtani is under.
But Ohtani isn't one to back down. He responded to Roberts' quote, saying, "If I hit, we will win." He's determined to prove his worth and get back on track.
Roberts believes Ohtani is already improving. He praised Ohtani's performance in the NLCS against the Brewers, where he walked three times and had an RBI single. Ohtani's speed also came into play, as he stole his first base of the playoffs. Roberts is confident in Ohtani's ability to turn things around.
However, Ohtani's overall numbers still paint a different picture. His postseason batting average is a low .147, and he's gone seven games without an extra-base hit, which is longer than any drought he faced during the regular season. Ohtani knows he needs to step up his game and be more selective at the plate.
And this is the part most people miss: Ohtani's role as a two-way player is under scrutiny. On days he pitches, his batting average drops, and the strikeouts pile up. Is the physical demand of pitching affecting his hitting? Ohtani himself isn't convinced, saying, "I don't know if there's a direct correlation. Physically, I don't feel like there's a connection."
Instead, Ohtani is focusing on fixing his swing, just like any other hitter would. He took the field for a rare BP session, and the results were impressive. Out of 32 swings, he sent 14 over the fence, including one that hit the right-field pavilion roof!
Roberts acknowledges Ohtani's frustration but sees it as a sign of his competitive spirit. He believes there's still a long way to go in the playoffs and that Ohtani will rise to the challenge.
So, is Ohtani's two-way role affecting his performance? Or is it just a temporary slump? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your take on this baseball superstar's journey.
