Dodgers Taking Drastic Step to Help Shohei Ohtani Break Out of Slump
· Yahoo Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is undoubtedly in the midst of a slump, his slowest start to a season as a member of the team.
Ohtani has been a fantastic hitter with the Dodgers since he joined. His 2024 season was magical, creating the 50/50 club and swinging his bat better than ever.
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In 2025, he managed to hit one more home run than in 2024 — 55 — though he stole 39 fewer bases and his slash line was a tad worse across the board.
However, something changed in 2025 that led to a more conservative approach on base — he started pitching again.
May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17)n strikes out in the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesOhtani had his amazing run in 2024 as a hitter only, due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery. He did not start pitching until midway through the 2025 season.
Now, Ohtani started the season as a full-time two-way player again, his first with the Dodgers, with his eyes on showing his ability on both sides of the field.
However, his brilliance has only shone on the mound, where he has a ridiculous 0.97 ERA and has looked like arguably the best pitcher in the National League.
At the plate, he has mainly struggled with his swing, lacking real confidence in his mechanics and forcing the issue with some aggressive swing choices.
He is hitting .105/.261/.132 with three RBIs, seven walks, and 11 strikeouts over the last 14 days entering Tuesday’s slate of games.
On the season, he is hitting .233 with a .767 OPS with just six home runs and 16 RBIs.
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What are the Dodgers doing to help Ohtani?
In an effort to help him break out, the Dodgers will not have Ohtani hit on Thursday for the series finale vs. the Giants, and he will likely not hit on Wednesday, the day when he makes his start.
Roberts said he wants to give Ohtani a mental and physical break and hopes to get things ironed out.
Dave Roberts said Ohtani will not hit on Thursday and is leaning towards not having him hit on Wednesday, when he pitches.
— Nelson Espinal (@nelson__espinal) May 12, 2026
Roberts hopes to give Ohtani both physical and mental rest.
Over the last 14 days, Ohtani has a .105 batting average and a .392 OPS. pic.twitter.com/DOdC0AIhyb
This move by the Dodgers is quite drastic, considering Ohtani hates taking days off and wants to play every day. Barring injury, he seeks to be on the field in some capacity, though it is hard to argue with his results at the moment.
His swing looks wonkier and more uncomfortable than it ever has as a Dodger, and the time off could help him get reacquainted with his body and mechanics.
“It might be a good thing to take a little bit of a load off his plate offensively,” Roberts told The Athletic’s Katie Woo before the Giants game Tuesday.