In an unusual moment at Dodger Stadium, Shohei Ohtani’s entrance song, “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé, resonated. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star player emerged from the dugout for an uncommon batting practice session on the field, receiving sarcastic applause from his teammates. Ohtani demonstrated his power by hitting impressive home runs, one of which impacted the roof beyond the right field stands. This batting practice, the first since he joined the team two years ago, could indicate the urgency of the moment, as Ohtani’s performance with the bat has been below expectations. Despite the Dodgers advancing in the playoffs, Ohtani’s slump persists. In the wild card series, he has only managed two hits in 25 at-bats, with 12 strikeouts. His RBI single in the seventh inning of Game 2 of the National League Championship Series broke a 15-at-bat hitless streak, the second-longest of his career.
Ohtani hit two home runs in the wild card games against the Cincinnati Reds, but faced difficulties against the left-handed pitchers of the Philadelphia Phillies. Against Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo and Ranger Suárez, he didn’t get any hits in 13 at-bats, with seven strikeouts. The Milwaukee Brewers have tried a similar strategy, using their best left-handed relievers against him. In Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, Ohtani was walked against Aaron Ashby and then hit a fly ball against Jared Koenig. In Game 2, he hit a single against Ashby and was struck out by Robert Gasser.I don’t necessarily think pitching has affected my hitting performance. As for pitching, as long as I control what I can control, I feel good about the results. As for hitting, the stance, the mechanics, that’s something I constantly work on.
Shohei Ohtani
Of Ohtani’s 40 plate appearances in these playoffs, 22 have been against left-handed pitchers, and he has only managed to get on base three times against them.
Ohtani opened Game 1 of the National League Division Series on the mound, pitching six innings and allowing three runs. He was scheduled to pitch Game 1 or 2 of the National League Championship Series, but was ultimately relegated to Game 4. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained that the decision was based on aligning Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto so they could potentially pitch twice in the series, rather than helping Ohtani overcome his slump at the plate. Roberts called Ohtani’s at-bats in Milwaukee “fantastic”, despite his poor performance. He highlighted the strike zone control, aggressiveness, and opportunities to score runs. In his first season with the Dodgers in 2024, Ohtani had a significant impact, and continued to be a key offensive player upon returning to pitching in 2025, with a batting average of .282/.392/.622, 55 home runs, and 20 stolen bases. In the 14 days that he also pitched, his batting line was slightly lower, .222/.323/.556.I think it’s strategic of them to put a lot of left-handed pitchers against me. I’m focused on having better quality at-bats. I’m always working on that.
Shohei Ohtani
I know I may sound like I’m giving the same answer, but I don’t think it really affected me. I feel like I was able to have a good offensive season, having quality at-bats throughout the season.
Shohei Ohtani
