Dave Roberts admits Shohei Ohtani is 'not close to optimal' after 4-strikeout performance

Less than 24 hours after admitting two-time All-Star Shohei Ohtani might not return to pitching this season, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered even more disconcerting remarks about the team's two-way star following his recent four-strikeout performance. While a four-strikeout game as a hitter is never ideal, Roberts expressed concern over the way Ohtani struck out four times, particularly noting his appearance of stiffness and lateness when trying to catch up to an elevated fastball.

The Associated Press reported that Roberts stated, "You could see the swing wasn't the swing that we're used to seeing. He's not close to optimal."

Roberts indicated he would speak with Ohtani and the team's training staff about giving Ohtani a day off, though he did not believe a trip to the injured list was necessary at present. Despite battling a knee injury that required an injection during the All-Star break, Ohtani has mostly avoided missing games, pushing through the discomfort.

However, Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani might need to reconsider his approach, saying, "I know he feels that he needs to post and be in the lineup and if he's upright he should play. I respect that, but if he's feeling the way that he visibly looks, then it's really not helping anyone."

On the season, Ohtani has posted a solid .279/.381/.525 slash line, although his hitting has declined in the 41 games since the All-Star break, dropping to .250/.333/.476. For a normal player, that would be considered a fine line, but for Ohtani, it represents a slump. While the Dodgers can afford to lose Ohtani as a pitcher for the remainder of the season, losing his hitting production would be a significant blow.

The team may consider placing Ohtani on the injured list if his struggles persist, but as of now, Roberts emphasized the importance of making sure the team is at its best heading into the playoffs.