Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani never ceases to shine and everything he does is news, on or off the diamond, hitting home runs as if it were batting practice, or eating up to 19 rice balls at lunchtime.
Ohtani started the MLB preseason on the right foot with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and everything indicates that his level will remain the same or better than in 2024, a season in which he hit 54 home runs that led him to win his third MVP in the majors, first in the National League, in addition to winning the Silver Slugger and, above all, his first World Series title.
However, doubts arose after he underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason, and the Japanese player took it upon himself to clear them up.
Ohtani’s return could not have been more descriptive of what can be expected from him. In his first at-bat in spring training, the slugger hit a panoramic home run over the left field wall with a full count.
That’s the best indication that Ohtani is still the same after his rehabilitation, although there may be one detail that could change, as the Japanese slugger may not be the same when it comes to running the bases.
Dave Roberts’ plan with Shohei Ohtani
Manager Dave Roberts created what could be considered a long-term strategy for the Japanese player by limiting his stolen base attempts, and not because Ohtani lacks speed, but to keep him around longer.
“We want to keep him fresh and available for the long haul,” Roberts said, after Ohtani stole 59 bases in 2024, although projections for 2025 put him at around 34 steals, trying to keep him in the same shape and power that the Dodgers so desperately need from March to October.
One of the Californians’ strategies to keep their players healthy throughout the season is to use Freddie Freeman as a designated hitter, after the first baseman came out with an ankle injury and had to play in the World Series, in which he was chosen as MVP.
Roberts believes that reducing Freeman’s defensive load could keep the slugger’s power in the batter’s box longer, and that would allow Max Muncy to move to first base.
Muncy has logged over 300 games in his career at first base, so he is no stranger to the position, and defensively he could stabilize the Dodgers’ infield, as Muncy’s glove at first base would improve their setup compared to his usual duties at third base.
The gardens are also part of Roberts’ plan
The adjustment in the outfield will also be crucial for the Dodgers, who could turn to Andy Pages for power or Miguel Rojas for improved defense.
Pages could add more power to the lineup after highlighting his power in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series with two home runs, while Rojas provides a more defensive strategy that strengthens his stability during crucial moments.
The Dodgers are beginning to work on a new plan in search of a championship, and it all revolves around a player who is one in a million, a generational talent like Shohei Ohtani is rarely seen in life, and the Dodgers will try to get the best possible use out of him.
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