The Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar, Shohei Ohtani, is in need of a strategic 'recalibration' as they advance to the NLCS, despite his immense value to the team. But here's the twist: Ohtani's struggles in the NLDS against the Phillies have sparked a fascinating debate.
Ohtani, the soon-to-be four-time NL MVP, was a primary target for the Phillies' strategy. They relentlessly deployed left-handed pitchers, and Ohtani's offensive performance suffered, with only one hit and nine strikeouts in 18 at-bats. The Phillies' approach was meticulous; they jammed him with fastballs on the inner part of the plate, rendering him unable to extend his arms. And they exploited a potential weakness—his difficulty in hitting left-handed changeups—throwing 10 of them in the series. This set the stage for a barrage of breaking balls on the outer half.
Ohtani, in a rare interview with Japanese media, acknowledged the impact of facing so many lefties and their well-executed plan. The Phillies' strategy also affected other Dodgers players, such as Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman, who were largely kept in check.
Manager Dave Roberts recognized Ohtani's challenges, stating that his swing decisions needed improvement. The Phillies' tactics evolved into bad habits for Ohtani, allowing them to dictate the game plan. This was evident in his first at-bat against Cristopher Sánchez, who showcased his mastery by burying a first-pitch sinker and following up with changeups that Ohtani struggled with during the regular season.
But here's where it gets controversial: Ohtani's dual role as a pitcher and batter may have contributed to his struggles. Roberts noted that Ohtani tends to have shorter at-bats on days he pitches, possibly due to energy conservation. This was evident in Game 1, where he pitched six innings and had no hits in four at-bats.
The Dodgers are now hoping for a turnaround in the NLCS, similar to Ohtani's performance last year against the New York Mets. However, the question remains: Can Ohtani adjust and reclaim his dominance, or will the Brewers find a way to exploit his current form? The Dodgers are counting on a strategic recalibration, but will it be enough to secure the World Series title?
And this is the part most people miss—Ohtani's ability to adapt will be crucial, but the Dodgers' overall strategy and support for their star player will also play a significant role. As the series unfolds, the baseball world eagerly awaits the outcome of this intriguing narrative.
