Glendale, Arizona – A swarm of about 70 media members eagerly gathered around a small backdrop at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ facility, awaiting the arrival of Shohei Ohtani for his first media session. Such is the gravitas of Ohtani, the Japanese sensation who recently joined the Dodgers after spending six years with their crosstown rival, the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani, however, remains humble and sees himself as a “rookie” again, stating that he likes to introduce himself to new faces but hopes to avoid introducing himself twice.
One aspect that has stood out about Ohtani during his time in spring training is his dedication and discipline. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts describes him as “intentional” and “regimented” in his work. Roberts notes that Ohtani values every minute on the clock and does not waste time on small talk. Other players on the team have taken notice and have made it a point to observe his meticulous approach. It is evident that Ohtani’s work ethic is top-notch, as highlighted by Dodgers infielder Chris Taylor, who praises his attention to detail and deliberate actions in the weight room, batting cage, and on the field.
Ohtani’s journey as a two-way player has not been without obstacles. In 2018, just three months into his major league career, he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. It wasn’t until his fourth season in 2021 that he became a full-time two-way player. From 2021 to 2023, Ohtani’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, winning two MVPs unanimously and accumulating an impressive 26.5 FanGraphs wins above replacement. However, in September, Ohtani underwent a hybrid version of a second Tommy John surgery, and it has been confirmed that he will not pitch at any point in 2024.
While Ohtani’s pitching may be put on hold, his presence as a hitter and designated hitter for the Dodgers will undoubtedly elevate the team. Roberts believes that having Ohtani as a Dodger will “raise the bar” for the entire team, despite only fulfilling half of his duties. Ohtani’s combination of humility, kindness, and fierce determination has impressed Roberts, who sees the perfect balance between Ohtani’s gentle demeanor and his competitive spirit.
As Ohtani prepares to take on the role of designated hitter, there is excitement surrounding the potential improvement in his offensive game. From 2022 to 2023, Ohtani’s OPS increased from .875 to a major league-leading 1.066. Interestingly, there was a belief within the Angels organization that juggling a two-way role actually benefited Ohtani offensively by preventing him from dwelling on negative outcomes. Now, focusing exclusively on his hitting while being part of a superior lineup and having gained more experience, Ohtani’s offensive capabilities are expected to soar to new heights. When asked about his offensive potential, Ohtani confidently stated, “I feel like there’s not just one level but several levels ahead offense-wise.”
The Future Alignments of the Dodgers’ Lineup
Dodgers fans were intrigued when Roberts mentioned his plan to bat Mookie Betts leadoff, Freddie Freeman second, and Ohtani third when the games start to count. However, Roberts clarified that he mentioned this alignment as an “exercise” to gauge fan sentiment and that he intends to have a conversation with all three players before finalizing the lineup. Nonetheless, Ohtani’s tremendous growth as a hitter and his ability to contribute at a high level make him a valuable asset in any spot in the batting order.
As Shohei Ohtani settles into his new role as a Dodger, his dedication and discipline during spring training have already made a significant impression on his teammates and coaches. With Ohtani’s work ethic and talent, coupled with his unwavering commitment to improvement, the Dodgers can look forward to a season where they will benefit immensely from the incredible abilities of this multi-talented player.
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