The Los Angeles Dodgers possess one of baseball’s most valuable players, yet even they seem unsure of how to maximize his impact.
Shohei Ohtani is a rare two-way talent, and managing such a player comes with no clear guidebook. While manager Dave Roberts insists there’s a plan in place, the details remain murky.
Ahead of the Dodgers’ matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, Roberts shed light on the challenges of integrating Ohtani’s workload.
"I just don’t know if it’s going to be before a start day to prepare, after a start day... I just don’t know any of that stuff right now," Roberts admitted.
Balancing act: hitting, pitching, and recovery
With Ohtani returning to two-way play in 2025, Roberts confirmed that while his at-bats and stolen bases may decrease, the quality of his plate appearances will remain elite. However, managing his workload remains a work in progress.
One major concern is determining when Ohtani will need rest relative to his starts. Roberts acknowledged the team will evaluate this on a rolling basis, praising Ohtani’s dedication to training and rehabilitation as key factors in minimizing setbacks.
Ohtani shines against former team
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his workload, Ohtani made an emphatic statement against his former team. Facing the Angels, he launched a home run, reinforcing why he’s considered one of the game’s most dominant forces.
"Regardless of the results, I think the biggest takeaway was being able to go through my three at-bats without any issues," Ohtani said postgame. "Physically, I felt really good."
He also revealed adjustments to his swing, optimizing it for consistency and minimizing strain on his body.
What’s next for Ohtani and the Dodgers?
For now, the Dodgers appear to be managing Ohtani’s two-way role on the fly. He will hit, he will pitch, and the team will figure out the finer details as the season progresses. One thing is certain—Shohei Ohtani will continue being Shohei Ohtani, leaving opponents scrambling to keep up.
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