Shohei Ohtani showed visible frustration on Monday night, disputing a questionable strikeout call by home plate umpire Sean Barber during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 9-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. This rare moment of anger came as the Dodgers continued to struggle through a losing streak, with Ohtani’s reaction highlighting tensions amid the team’s current difficulties.
The game took place at the Brewers’ home stadium, where the Dodgers fell behind early and failed to recover. The incident occurred in the top of the sixth inning, with the Dodgers already trailing 7-0. Ohtani faced Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta and worked the count to 3-2 before Peralta threw a changeup that notably missed low and outside the strike zone. However, Barber called the pitch a strike, ending the at-bat and leaving Ohtani and the Dodgers visibly stunned.
Dodgers’ Early Struggles Set the Tone Against Milwaukee
The Dodgers entered the game in poor form, having just been swept in a three-game series by the Houston Astros where they were outscored 29-6 at home. Their woes continued on Monday as starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was removed from the mound after just 0.2 innings, having allowed five runs on four hits and two walks.
This quick deficit put the Dodgers on the back foot early, and frustration grew within the team, seen especially in Ohtani’s rare loss of composure. Following the controversial strike call, Ohtani briefly argued with umpire Barber and shook his head in disbelief as he returned to the dugout. This reaction contrasted sharply with Ohtani’s usual calm demeanor on the field.
Ohtani’s Generally Composed Behavior Makes This Incident Stand Out
Shohei Ohtani is typically known for maintaining his composure during games, even in heated moments. Earlier this season, after being hit by a pitch from Robert Suarez of the San Diego Padres, Ohtani acted as a peacemaker by shaking hands with Suarez, diffusing potential tension. His frustration over the strikeout call therefore marks a notable break from his usual on-field poise.
The Dodgers ultimately suffered a heavy 9-1 defeat and extended their losing streak to four games. The team now looks ahead to Tuesday’s matchup with hopes of turning around their performance and leveling the series.
Ohtani’s Batting Declines Since Resuming Pitching Duties
Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching last month after nearly a year-long hiatus has coincided with a noticeable dip in his offensive numbers. Prior to pitching again, Ohtani posted an impressive slash line of .297/.393/.642. Since resuming his role as a two-way player, his hitting stats have fallen to a .200/.333/.486 line.
Experts anticipated some drop-off as Ohtani resumed pitching duties, with former San Francisco Giants star Barry Bonds suggesting earlier this year that Ohtani should focus exclusively on being a designated hitter. In 2024, while only serving as a DH as he recovered from shoulder surgery, Ohtani achieved historic milestones, becoming the first player to join the 50-50 club with 54 home runs and 58 stolen bases, finishing the season batting .310.
Dodgers Approach Ohtani’s Pitching Role with Caution
After signing a landmark 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023, expectations were high for Shohei Ohtani to showcase his full capabilities as a two-way star. However, the Dodgers have exercised caution in managing his pitching workload, deploying him sparingly to mitigate risk.
Celebrating his 31st birthday recently, Ohtani made his fourth start of the 2025 season, pitching two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Across four starts, he has thrown a total of only six innings, with a low ERA of 1.50 and just one run allowed. Most of his appearances have been as an opener rather than a traditional starting pitcher.
Ohtani himself emphasized the importance of gradual progress following injury, saying,
“In a rehab progression, it’s really important to just take one step at a time. There are times when I may be able to go another inning, but it’s really important not to take unnecessary risks and make sure that I can progress consistently.”
This careful management suggests that Ohtani is unlikely to pitch extended innings, such as five or six, in the near future despite the pitching challenges faced by the Dodgers.
Impact on Dodgers and Outlook for Upcoming Games
The Dodgers’ ongoing slump and recent heavy losses, including the 9-1 defeat to the Brewers, have raised concerns about the team’s momentum as they attempt to defend their 2024 World Series title. Shohei Ohtani’s mixed performance as a hitter and pitcher underscores the challenges facing the squad.
The disputed strikeout call that visibly angered Ohtani brings additional scrutiny to umpiring decisions and their influence on game outcomes. As the Dodgers prepare for the next game on Tuesday, their objective will be to halt the losing streak and adjust strategies to leverage Ohtani’s unique two-way skills while navigating his current limitations on the mound.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?
A. He and Ohtani are the only Dodgers to achieve this since 1901. Ohtani is the first in the 50-50 club, but he stood out when he hit 43-43. To put 50-50 into context, his 51 home runs are the highest ever in a Major League Baseball 50-steal season.
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani in the 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani hit a home run, forming part of the 50-50 club. By scoring three homers and stealing two bases, Ohtani delivered an outstanding single-game performance. Considering the situation and importance, this was one of the best performances seen.
Q. Does Shohei Ohtani have a 50/50?
A. Ohtani hit his 10th home run of the year. He also has 10 stolen bases this season. This means he’s reached these milestones more quickly compared to last year. In the first 34 games of 2024, he had eight home runs and seven stolen bases as the Dodgers’ designated hitter.