Shohei Ohtani has been leading off for the Los Angeles Dodgers since Mookie Betts was placed on the injured list with a broken hand in June.
Despite Betts returning to the lineup, manager Dave Roberts opted to keep Ohtani in the top spot which has led to unbelievable production with runners in scoring position.
But there’s a glaring issue with his batting average without runners on base in the postseason.
The designated hitter is currently 0-for-19 with bases empty this postseason compared to being 6-for-8 with runners on base.
Does Roberts think he should move Ohtani with those struggles?
“Not really,” Roberts said after the Dodgers lost 7-3 to the New York Mets on Monday. “I think that, as far as on the offensive side, I think we’ve been pretty good offensively. I think the guys at the bottom have been doing a nice job of getting on base.
“And as far as moving him down, I just don’t want to be too reactive. I don’t really see the benefit. We’ve got to just make sure that our guys are just still swinging the bat well. And quite frankly, I want Shohei to get five at-bats a game. I think he’s our best hitter, and I want him up there five times.”
Ohtani was 0-for-3 with two walks and two strikeouts during Monday’s Game 2. On Sunday, the designated hitter was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, one run batted in, and one walk. Both hits came with runners aboard.
The Dodgers fell behind early on Monday after Francisco Lindor led off the game with a solo home run off starting pitcher Ryan Brasier.
“I threw some good pitches and he fouled them off, and then I threw a bad one and he did what you’re supposed to do with it,” Brasier said. “He barely fouled off a couple of them and then I left a pitch right over the middle of the plate. That’s what happens sometimes when you get a good hitter like that.”
The second inning was a disaster that saw the Mets score five runs off Landon Knack who was brought in to limit the damage.
“Obviously, that whole second inning, the way it all went down,” Knack said. “I didn’t set the tone very well for everyone else.”
The Dodgers travel to New York and will immediately prepare for Game 3 on Wednesday.
