Ohtani's Rare Hitless Stretch
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is currently navigating a challenging period at the plate, having failed to record a hit in four consecutive games. This marks his most prolonged offensive drought since 2022.
During the recent series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Ohtani went 0-for-3, extending his hitless streak to 14 consecutive at-bats. The last time Ohtani experienced such a significant cold spell was in May 2022 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels, when he went 0-for-12 over five games.
Dodgers' Broader Offensive Woes
The struggles of the Japanese superstar are currently aligned with a wider offensive dip for the Dodgers. The team has notably failed to hit a home run in six consecutive games, a drought not seen by the franchise since an eight-game stretch in July 2014.
Despite the win against St. Louis, which ended a four-game losing streak, players are maintaining a candid outlook on their recent performance. Freddie Freeman, who contributed a run in Sunday's victory, was blunt about the team's recent output:
«Offensively, we just haven’t been very good the last week. Just call spade a spade sometimes. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. We just haven’t been very good, and we’ve got to be better.»
Managerial Perspective on Mechanics
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains confident that Ohtani will find his rhythm again. While acknowledging Ohtani's internal frustration, Roberts noted that the star remains composed. According to the manager, the issue appears to be tied to minor mechanical adjustments.
«There’s a little bit of a mechanics part that he’s been talking about, and I thought we kind of figured that out at home,» Roberts explained. «This series, I don’t think he felt great, in between a little bit on the pulled grounders, getting beat with the fly balls to the big part of the field, so a little in between, I think. But, safe to say, fair to say that he’ll figure it out soon.»
While Ohtani did manage to draw a walk during Sunday's game—ending a streak of ten straight plate appearances without reaching base—the 12 hitless at-bats he recorded in the St. Louis series represent the longest hitless span for him in any single series throughout his professional career.