Despite Shohei Ohtani’s strong career record with runners in scoring position (RISP), his recent 1-for-19 start raised concerns among the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts addressed the issue with Ohtani, suggesting that he may be expanding his strike zone too much in those situations. Ohtani’s struggles with RISP this season prompted Roberts to have a conversation with the two-time American League MVP about a week ago. Roberts highlighted the importance of controlling the strike zone and swinging at strikes, emphasizing that pitchers will try to exploit Ohtani’s aggressive approach. The Dodgers have developed strategies to pitch to Ohtani during his six seasons with the Angels, recognizing that he has closed the window for pitchers to effectively pitch up in the zone. Roberts noted that teams are now employing a variety of tactics to get Ohtani out, including crowding him, going up in the zone, and spinning pitches.
In other team news, right-hander Blake Treinen is set to begin a minor-league injury rehabilitation assignment this week after recovering from a rib injury. Treinen underwent shoulder surgery in November 2022 and has been sidelined since then. Outfielder Jason Heyward remains out with a lower back strain and will need a rehab assignment before returning to the team. Heyward is expected to meet the team in Arizona, the final stop on their current road trip, but there is no immediate timeline for his rehab assignment.
Despite his recent struggles with RISP, Ohtani remains a formidable hitter, as evidenced by his 176th career home run on Sunday, surpassing Hideki Matsui for the most by a Japanese-born player in MLB history. Ohtani has already surpassed Roberts’ franchise record for home runs by a Japanese-born player with two more this season. Roberts expressed his hope that Ohtani would break his record during Tuesday’s game.
