Dave Roberts believes that Shohei Ohtani has the potential to improve even further by exercising more discipline at the plate, especially with runners in scoring position. The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers recently had a conversation with the two-time AL MVP about how he could better control the strike zone, as Roberts noticed that Ohtani was expanding his strikes more than necessary.
On Sunday, Ohtani hit his 176th home run, surpassing Hideki Matsui for the most home runs in Major League Baseball among players born in Japan. Going into Tuesday night’s game in Washington, Ohtani led the major leagues in several categories, including batting average, hits, doubles, and total bases.
Roberts expressed that Ohtani’s ability to change the game with his bat is undeniable, and further improving his strike zone discipline will only make him a more formidable opponent. Despite having undergone elbow surgery last September and not pitching this season, Ohtani made a bold move by leaving the Los Angeles Angels and signing a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December.
Since joining the Dodgers, Ohtani has been seen getting comfortable with his new surroundings, bonding with his teammates and coaches. Roberts noted that the hitting coaches have been establishing a good relationship and trust with Ohtani, allowing him to be more present and engaged both on and off the field. This increased presence is seen as a positive development in Ohtani’s integration with the team.