Ohtani’s Usage Sparks Questions
Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, has been refreshingly candid about his uncertainty regarding Shohei Ohtani’s role, particularly on days he pitches. It’s not entirely clear if Ohtani’s acceptance of potentially not hitting on those days reflects his desire to succeed this season.
“Maybe so,” he commented, a bit unsure. He is also uncertain if Ohtani will communicate any dissatisfaction with how he’s utilized, saying, “I’d like to think he’ll tell me if he disagrees.” It’s this mystery surrounding Ohtani that makes the Dodgers’ management of his dual role so intriguing.
Ohtani is known for being quite reserved, often phrasing his statements in ways that sidestep controversy. He claims he’ll follow whatever directives Roberts gives him but has expressed discomfort with not being in the Dodgers’ lineup when he’s pitching. What he implies can sometimes carry more weight than his direct words.
For instance, during a recent game against the Miami Marlins—where he pitched six innings but didn’t bat—one might wonder if he felt fine about the arrangement or not.
If he felt bothered, it’s worth considering just how that affects him. He did express frustration back in 2021 while playing for the Angels, despite winning the MVP, when he mentioned his discontent with the team’s struggles. Did that experience contribute to his decision to join the Dodgers?
When he was a free agent, it’s thought that his agent presented him with the option of staying with the Angels. If the Angels’ owner, Moreno, hadn’t turned down a delayed lucrative offer, would he have chosen to stay? Or was it the wish to win that drew him to the Dodgers regardless?
It’s hard to say.
If Ohtani feels constrained by only pitching, could that create tension with the Dodgers? Likely, but not definitively.
Roberts has been playing it safe, stating he didn’t consult Ohtani about recent decisions regarding his playing time but emphasized these choices are for Ohtani’s own good. “Every decision I make for him or any other player is in their best interest,” he explained.
By lightening Ohtani’s load, Roberts might be setting him up for potential success in winning the Cy Young Award, something many believe he aspires to. From a broader perspective, the Dodgers are working to keep Ohtani’s body in top form for another World Series run.
Coming from a culture where questioning authority is less common, Ohtani’s apparent acceptance of these decisions shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as total agreement. When discussing the long-term implications of limiting his role, Ohtani’s response was simply, “I don’t know.”
He did mention that reducing his responsibilities might help him remain healthy throughout the season. He noted the Dodgers are likely to explore other players for the designated hitter position, though he made it clear that this idea originated from the team, not himself.
“Personally, I would like to proceed in the direction I am told,” he stated. “That’s completely up to the team.”
Ohtani, experiencing his first loss of the season, allowed two runs in six innings during that Marlins game. The fifth inning proved particularly tough, demanding 28 pitches from him.
He pushed back against the notion that his singular focus on pitching could have led him to a better performance, asserting, “I simply don’t think the way we went into the fifth inning was good.”
While Ohtani didn’t voice complaints, his subdued demeanor led to speculation about his true feelings. Roberts’ typical avoidance of controversy is sensible, yet Ohtani’s significance to the team means that Roberts needs to navigate this situation with care.
