Shohei Ohtani is halfway through his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he has certainly made a name for himself in Hollywood. The Japanese slugger has become a key player in the Dodgers‘ success so far this season. With an impressive batting average of .320, 24 home runs, 60 RBIs, and a stellar 1.032 OPS in 78 games, Ohtani has showcased his talent on the field.
Ohtani expressed his thoughts on his new team, stating, „It’s really about getting to know the guys. You know I had my first impression, but really getting to know who the people are and the organization.“ Despite the pressure that comes with signing a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract in December, Ohtani has embraced the challenge and focused on fitting in with the team.
While Ohtani is known for his skills as a two-way player, he is currently focusing solely on hitting this season due to recovering from elbow surgery. This shift in his focus seems to be paying off, as Ohtani has shown improvement at the plate. He mentioned, „The reality is the workload has been a lot less…But at the same time, as a hitter, I’ve been getting better and overall I think I’ve been growing as a hitter, too.“
During a recent game against the Chicago White Sox, Ohtani hit a leadoff homer and extended his RBI streak to a career-high nine consecutive games, matching a franchise record. He has been a standout player for the Dodgers, especially after taking over the leadoff spot in the lineup following an injury to Mookie Betts. Ohtani’s batting average of .419 with five homers and 14 RBIs in eight games since Betts got hurt speaks volumes about his impact on the team.
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman praised Ohtani’s performance, saying, „I don’t know what more we can really say about him…Sometimes you just got to step back and just appreciate a player like this.“ Ohtani’s talent and work ethic have earned him respect and admiration from his teammates and opponents alike.
Ohtani’s ability to drive in runs consistently has been a key factor in the Dodgers‘ strong start to the season. With his impressive hitting and improved plate discipline, Ohtani has become a valuable asset to the team. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlighted Ohtani’s selective approach at the plate, noting that it has been instrumental in his success.
Shohei Ohtani’s contributions to the Los Angeles Dodgers have been nothing short of remarkable. His performance on the field, his professionalism, and his dedication to his craft have made him a standout player in the league. As Ohtani continues to shine bright in the spotlight, his impact on the team and the sport of baseball as a whole will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
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