LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is not concerned about Shohei Ohtani’s quiet postseason at the plate and says the two-way star is taking quality at-bats and helping the offense in other ways.
Ohtani is batting just .147 with four hits in 34 at-bats with two home runs and three walks. Over the regular season, the Japanese player hit .282 with 55 home runs and 102 RBI.
He showed signs of life in Tuesday’s 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers by delivering a key RBI single in the seventh inning and Roberts told reporters on Wednesday his contribution went way beyond his batting average.
“Him being in the lineup, getting the walks, allowing for Mookie (Betts) to have the opportunity to drive runs in – that’s contribution,” he said ahead of Game Three in Los Angeles with the Dodgers up 2-0 in the best-of-seven NL Championship Series.
“So for me, the first two games in Milwaukee, his at-bats have been fantastic. That’s what I’ve been looking for, that’s what I’m counting on.”
Roberts was encouraged to see Ohtani, who is the runaway favorite to win his third straight MVP award, staying aggressive at the plate.
“I think he’s in a good spot right now,” Roberts said, though he acknowledged Ohtani has been frustrated. — Reuters
