Counting out Shohei Ohtani isn't a mistake Dave Roberts is willing to make -- even if the manager can't really say why.
Ohtani has spoiled the Los Angeles Dodgers with his superhuman two-way abilities, but at age 32 the wear and tear of being both a standout pitcher and hitter has started to show. The fact that his single and walk in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series were considered promising signs only underscores Ohtani's struggles; once upon a time, a game without an extra-base hit would have been considered subpar for him.
But after going 2-for-13 in the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Ohtani has looked mortal for the first time in his career. Roberts isn't giving up hope. But he doesn't sound like he's 100% counting on a breakout, either.
"There's nothing right now I'm going to hang my hat on, outside of, I just believe in the person and the talent," Roberts said, according to the New York Post's Jack Harris, prior to Game 1. "I'm just never going to count Shohei out."
That's not exactly a ringing endorsement, but let's keep things in perspective.
Ohtani is far from worthless at the plate. He posted 3.2 WAR in 135 games this season, batting .275 with 30 home runs, 81 RBI and a .889 OPS. That would be a career year for many players. For Ohtani, they were among his career lows in every category.
His decrease in contributions from the mound puts more emphasis on him delivering offensively. Ohtani has been no more than a part-time pitcher the last two seasons, after not pitching at all in 2024. When he does pitch, he is still effective; he posted a career-best 0.946 WHIP this season in 85 2/3 innings. But with just 14 appearances, his impact is lessened from other-worldly to merely jaw-dropping.
If Roberts needs something to prove his faith, he doesn't need to look back very far. Just one year ago, Ohtani batted .056 in the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. In the very next round, he went 5-for-18 with three home runs in the NLCS to send the Dodgers to the World Series, which they eventually won over the Toronto Blue Jays.
If nothing else, Roberts can hang his hat on that.