Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed confidence that Shohei Ohtani will overcome his recent hitting slump, warning that opposing teams will face significant challenges when the star player's performance inevitably improves.
Ohtani has struggled at the plate since returning from an injury in September, failing to hit a home run and recording only one RBI. His offensive performance during the Dodgers' four-game NLDS series against the Atlanta Braves was particularly difficult, marked by a .154 OPS.
Despite these statistics, Friedman indicated that a turnaround is expected. "At some point, it’s going to click for him. And the other [teams are] going to be in big trouble when that happens," Friedman stated. The executive suggested that a single pitch or a well-timed swing could be enough to reignite Ohtani's confidence and performance.
Ohtani, considered one of the greatest players in baseball history, has historically demonstrated the ability to overcome slumps. The Dodgers advanced to the NLCS without significant offensive contributions from him in the previous round. It remains to be seen whether Ohtani will find his rhythm in the upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers or in a potential World Series appearance.
When Ohtani returns to his expected level of play, he will bolster an already formidable Dodgers offense, regaining a crucial component of their lineup.