The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a healthy 16-9 start over their first 25 games; however, some hitters are off to relatively slow starts, and there may be reason for concern.
One of the players is the Dodgers’ MVP Shohei Ohtani, who engraved his name in MLB history last season by originating the 50/50 club with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. So it’s no surprise there is a little bit of overreaction as the Dodgers’ $700 million man isn’t lighting it up out of the gate.
Ohtani is also rehabbing two injuries, dealing with the 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 of his first 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, and working on returning to the mound.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) after running against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field.
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts spoke out in Ohtani’s defense, giving a strong two-word message amid Ohtani’s struggles at the plate:
“He’s human,” said Betts to the LA Times’ Jack Harris.
Dating back to April 15th against the Colorado Rockies, Ohtani is 3-for-21 with just one home run and two RBIs. He has struck out nine times in that space, which is uncharacteristic for the Japanese star.
There’s no doubt it’s just a matter of time before he gets going again, but Los Angeles is on a slight slide after being swept by the Chicago Cubs in a two-game set.
It has also been reported that Ohtani won’t return to the mound for at least a couple more months. The Dodgers are a team built for October, but the lethargic start, especially offensively, is a reason for slight concern.
