Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers is currently in a batting slump, going hitless in his last 17 at-bats. Despite this, he remains the favorite to win his fifth NL MVP honor.
Mired in batting slump, Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani making pitch for fifth NL MVP honor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Shohei Ohtani is not immune to slumps.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star has proven that recently, but he still remains the favorite to capture another NL MVP honor.
With Ohtani hitless in his 17 at-bats and out of Tuesday's batting order for his third straight pitching start, MLB insiders are beginning to debate if the physical and mental tolls are beginning to catch up to the international star.
Is it too convenient to suggest Ohtani's annual hitting slump hinges on his additional pitching responsibilities? The fact is, every player slumps at some point during a season. In 2024, Ohtani didn't pitch, and he still hit .139 during a 17-game stretch in July and August.
When Ohtani emerges from his offensive lull, he often carries a team for several months. He retains that ability.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is learning to balance Ohtani's offensive and defensive efforts.
"The health part, appreciating there's a long way to go," Roberts said, as reported by DodgersNation.com. "That's the main thing. Having him do both duties, how sustainable is it without taking a bit off his plate."
Shohei Ohtani is hitless in his last 17 at-bats and has been out of the batting order for his third consecutive pitching start.
Shohei Ohtani has won the NL MVP honor four times and is aiming for his fifth.
MLB insiders are debating whether the physical and mental tolls of his dual-role are affecting Ohtani's performance.
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Ohtani is targeting an NL Cy Young award.
Healthy as a pitcher for the first time since 2023, Ohtani (2-1) was slated to start against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Through five starts, the reigning NL Pitcher of the Month posted a 0.60 earned-run average with 34 strikeouts and nine walks in 30 innings.
The four-time NL MVP was not listed in the batting lineup, apparently giving Ohtani an opportunity to focus on his pitching and provide minimal rest for his 31-year-old body.
He was hitting .240 with a .432 slugging percentage, which would rank as the second-lowest of his career. His 125 WRC+ would be his lowest since 2020.
Here is a look at Shohei Ohtani's worst batting slumps over his previous five seasons:
Dates, Games, Batting Average