Dave Roberts admits the Dodgers have no clear plan for managing Shohei Ohtani’s dual-role workload in 2025.
The Los Angeles Dodgers possess one of baseball’s most valuable players, yet even they seem unsure of how to maximize his impact.
Shohei Ohtani is a rare two-way talent, and managing such a player comes with no clear guidebook. While manager Dave Roberts insists there’s a plan in place, the details remain murky.
Ahead of the Dodgers’ matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, Roberts shed light on the challenges of integrating Ohtani’s workload.
“I just don’t know if it’s going to be before a start day to prepare, after a start day… I just don’t know any of that stuff right now,” Roberts admitted.
Balancing act: hitting, pitching, and recovery
With Ohtani returning to two-way play in 2025, Roberts confirmed that while his at-bats and stolen bases may decrease, the quality of his plate appearances will remain elite. However, managing his workload remains a work in progress.
One major concern is determining when Ohtani will need rest relative to his starts. Roberts acknowledged the team will evaluate this on a rolling basis, praising Ohtani’s dedication to training and rehabilitation as key factors in minimizing setbacks.
Ohtani shines against former team
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his workload, Ohtani made an emphatic statement against his former team. Facing the Angels, he launched a home run, reinforcing why he’s considered one of the game’s most dominant forces.
“Regardless of the results, I think the biggest takeaway was being able to go through my three at-bats without any issues,” Ohtani said postgame. “Physically, I felt really good.”
He also revealed adjustments to his swing, optimizing it for consistency and minimizing strain on his body.
What’s next for Ohtani and the Dodgers?
For now, the Dodgers appear to be managing Ohtani’s two-way role on the fly. He will hit, he will pitch, and the team will figure out the finer details as the season progresses. One thing is certain—Shohei Ohtani will continue being Shohei Ohtani, leaving opponents scrambling to keep up.
“Already writing the scripts”: Fans share mixed reaction to Shohei Ohtani’s first Spring Training home run
Shohei Ohtani’s Spring Training homer amasses mixed fan reactions
Shohei Ohtani converted his first at-bat into a homer during the Spring Training game delighting his fans with an impressive start. He hit the homer but not before taking a full count, which strung a few concerning notes initially among fans. But, the mood at the field changed as soon as he sent a 94-mile-per-hour four-seam fastball from Yusei Kikuchi across the outfield. While fans on the ground reacted with a roaring cheer, netizens also had a lot to say about the stunner.
“Already writing scripts”, taunted an X user.
Another user wrote, “Soto Better”
Then came another comment, “It doesn’t count it’s only Spring Training who cares”
One user entered comparing mode and commented, “Ohtani might be the most talented player ever and Soto still making more than him.”
Nevertheless, the Dodgers’ designated hitter had a big chunk of admirers by his side. While a few who were in full awe of Ohtani’s homer saw it as a curtain-raiser; others termed him ‘GOAT’ and dropped encouraging tweets.
“Spot on”, a supporter wrote.
“Woah amazing!”, wrote another fan.
“Let the glaze fest keep rolling!”, added a follower
“He’s amazing”, praised another fan.
Decoding Shohei Ohtani’s Spring Training home run
Shohei Ohtani’s Spring Training homer is good news for the Dodgers fans as the three-time MVP has been off the action due to a left shoulder injury. After the game, the player expressed relief on regaining his footing.
He shared, via an interpreter, that he was satisfied with his getting through three scheduled at-bats. Showing more determination, he affirmed his intentions of getting back his swing the way it was before surgery.
Shohei Ohtani went under the knife to fix the torn labrum in his left shoulder and he was recuperating from the same in November 2024.
Leave a Reply