Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers slump is growing more concerning as his effort to perform both as a pitcher and a hitter appears to be affecting his overall game in the 2024 season. Since returning to pitching after Tommy John surgery, Ohtani has struggled at the plate, putting the Los Angeles Dodgers in a difficult position as they navigate their playoff ambitions.
Ohtani’s Two-Way Role Brings Unexpected Challenges in 2024
When the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a record $700 million contract two years ago, expectations were sky-high given his rare ability as both a dominant pitcher and an elite hitter. Throughout 2024, while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Ohtani focused mainly on his hitting and produced outstanding results, winning the MVP and leading the league in key offensive categories like on-base percentage, slugging, home runs, and RBIs.
Ohtani continued his strong offensive start in 2024, batting .300 with impressive on-base and slugging percentages by mid-June. However, that promising start coincided with his first pitching appearance for the Dodgers in 2024, an inning where the team carefully eased him back into a starting role on the mound. Since then, his batting performance has faltered noticeably.
Increasing Pitching Workload Linked to Batting Decline
As Ohtani gradually lengthens his pitching outings, his batting numbers have declined drastically, marking the worst hitting slump of his time with the Dodgers. Over his last 24 games, Ohtani has hit just .195 with a .340 on-base percentage and a .483 slugging rate, a sharp drop compared to his earlier dominance.
This slump has alarmed Dodgers fans and analysts, especially since it started alongside Ohtani’s return to pitching. Questions have intensified about whether balancing pitching and hitting is causing physical and performance strain on Ohtani, especially as the Dodgers prepare for the crucial second half of their season after the All-Star break.
Dodgers Face Difficult Decisions on Ohtani’s Role and Health
Sportswriter Jack Harris has highlighted the uncertainties around Ohtani’s workload management, emphasizing the physical demands placed on the 31-year-old two-way star. The Dodgers have been cautious, gradually increasing Ohtani’s pitching innings while monitoring his hitting ability and overall health.
“It’s difficult to imagine, barring any unforeseen setbacks, Ohtani not being part of the pitching plan in October given how electric he has looked thus far. But will it be as a glorified three- or four-inning opener? Or in a traditional starting role in which he is asked to work into the sixth or the seventh? That could depend on the state of the rest of the Dodgers’ staff, how Ohtani performs at the plate over the season’s second half, and how his body holds up to a challenge he has never before attempted with a team competing for a playoff spot.”
—Jack Harris, Sportswriter
Ohtani has delivered impressive pitching numbers in his five appearances this season, totaling nine innings while allowing only one run with 10 strikeouts. Yet the Dodgers have faced injuries in both their pitching rotation and bullpen, intensifying the need for Ohtani’s contributions on the mound. This necessity conflicts with his slipping offensive output, raising challenging questions about his dual responsibilities.
It is also important to recognize that Ohtani’s previous success in juggling pitching and hitting came during his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, a team without playoff aspirations. Now, with the Dodgers in playoff contention, the pressure to perform in both roles has increased substantially. If Ohtani’s batting continues to decline, the Dodgers may need to reconsider whether his role as a pitcher is sustainable without sacrificing his impact at the plate.
The Long-Term Impact on Dodgers’ Playoff Chances
The ongoing slump of Shohei Ohtani poses serious risks to the Dodgers’ postseason goals as they rely heavily on his two-way talents to fuel their success. Balancing Ohtani’s pitching and hitting duties demands careful strategy, especially as the regular season advances and every game gains importance.
How the Dodgers handle Ohtani’s workload could define their playoff trajectory. If they limit his pitching to protect his hitting, their pitching depth may be stretched thin, especially with roster injuries. Conversely, if Ohtani continues to pitch extensively while his batting suffers, the team’s offensive firepower could diminish at a critical moment.
Ultimately, the Dodgers will need to weigh the physical toll on Ohtani alongside their roster’s needs and playoff ambitions. His unique two-way role makes this a rare and complex challenge, not just for the player but also for Los Angeles’ coaching staff and front office as they navigate the second half of the 2024 season.