Ohtani’s Value Goes Beyond the Box Score

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is keeping his faith in Shohei Ohtani, even as the Japanese superstar endures a rare postseason slump at the plate. Despite hitting just .147 through 34 at-bats — with four hits, two home runs, and three walks — Roberts insists that Ohtani’s impact on the game extends well beyond traditional statistics.

“Him being in the lineup, getting the walks, allowing for Mookie (Betts) to have opportunities to drive runs in — that’s contribution,” Roberts explained ahead of Game Three of the National League Championship Series. “For me, the first two games in Milwaukee, his at-bats have been fantastic. That’s what I’ve been looking for, that’s what I’m counting on.”

Ohtani’s postseason may not yet reflect his explosive regular-season numbers — a .282 batting average, 55 home runs, and 102 RBIs — but Roberts isn’t measuring success solely by hits or homers. As Sports Channel analysts have pointed out, Ohtani’s mere presence in the lineup shifts how opposing pitchers approach the Dodgers, giving his teammates better pitches to hit.

Finding Rhythm in October

In Tuesday’s 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, Ohtani showed flashes of his usual brilliance, delivering a clutch RBI single in the seventh inning that helped break open the game. It was a timely reminder of his ability to rise when it matters most — something Roberts says will only become more frequent as the series progresses.

“I think he’s in a good spot right now,” Roberts said, adding that Ohtani has handled the pressure and frustration of his postseason struggles with the mindset of a true professional. “He’s obviously a very talented player and we’re counting on him. So for him to realize his own personal expectations, and if they are not realized, then certainly there’s frustration. He’s a great competitor, he’s very prepared, and there’s still a lot of baseball left.”

For fans watching through Sports Channel, Ohtani’s at-bats tell a story of patience and adjustment. He’s seen plenty of breaking pitches and off-speed stuff from opponents wary of his power. But with every game, his timing appears to be sharpening — and with his aggressive approach returning, a breakout performance may be just around the corner.

A Manager’s Trust

Dave Roberts has long been known for his steady leadership and trust in his players, and his support for Ohtani exemplifies that philosophy. Rather than benching or repositioning his star slugger, Roberts has kept him in key offensive roles, confident that Ohtani’s work ethic and mental resilience will eventually produce results.

“He’s waited for this moment,” Roberts said of Ohtani’s playoff journey. “With the rest that he’s had going into Game Four, he’s going to be ready to go.”

It’s not just about the bat, either. Ohtani is expected to return to the pitcher’s mound for Game Four — a major moment for a player who had spent much of the past year recovering from elbow surgery. The two-way phenomenon’s comeback has been closely followed by fans and pundits alike, with Sports Channel highlighting his dual-role workload as one of the most compelling storylines of the postseason.

The Dual Threat Returns

At 31 years old, Ohtani remains one of baseball’s most remarkable athletes — equally dangerous as a power hitter and as a starting pitcher. His ability to dominate on both sides of the game has redefined what’s possible in modern baseball. After being limited to designated hitter duties last season, his return to pitching this year has reignited excitement around the Dodgers’ postseason campaign.

Roberts confirmed that there’s no hard cap on how many pitches Ohtani will throw in his upcoming start. “The century mark isn’t necessarily a ceiling,” Roberts noted. “It’s contingent on how he’s throwing. He’s waited for this moment, and with the rest that he’s had, he’s going to be ready.”

For fans watching via Sports Channel, Ohtani’s upcoming outing could be pivotal — not just for the Dodgers’ playoff run but for his own personal redemption. A strong performance on the mound could remind everyone that even when the bat cools off, his arm can still take over games.

Leadership Through Presence

Even in a hitting slump, Ohtani continues to shape the team’s energy. His leadership style is understated — a mix of professionalism and quiet intensity — but his teammates often describe his influence as steadying. By drawing walks, working deep counts, and maintaining composure under pressure, he sets a tone of resilience for the rest of the clubhouse.

Dodgers players have also credited Ohtani for helping balance the lineup. With him batting in the heart of the order, opposing pitchers can’t easily pitch around Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, or Will Smith, forcing them to attack from the first inning onward.

It’s this ripple effect — one that doesn’t always appear in the box score — that Roberts values most. As one analyst on Sports Channel put it, “Even when Ohtani isn’t hitting home runs, he’s still dictating how every opposing pitcher plays the Dodgers. That’s superstar impact.”

The Mental Game

Every elite hitter faces cold stretches, and for Ohtani, the challenge is balancing his sky-high expectations with the realities of postseason pitching. October baseball is a mental battle as much as a physical one, with top-tier arms attacking weaknesses and exploiting even the smallest timing lapses.

Roberts said he welcomes Ohtani’s frustration — seeing it as a sign of hunger, not defeat. “That’s expected and I don’t mind it. I like the edge,” he said. “He’s obviously very talented, and we’re counting on him.”

That competitive edge is what has defined Ohtani’s career. Whether as a hitter or pitcher, he thrives under pressure. Even now, during a rare offensive lull, the belief within the Dodgers clubhouse remains unshaken: Ohtani is due, and when he connects, he changes games.

The Road Ahead

With the Dodgers up 2–0 in the best-of-seven NLCS, the team has momentum — and they know their superstar will be pivotal down the stretch. If Ohtani’s bat heats up, Los Angeles could be unstoppable. If his pitching return goes as planned, the team’s depth will look even more formidable.

The message from Roberts is clear: patience, trust, and perspective. Ohtani may be pressing at the plate, but his work ethic and preparation suggest that it’s only a matter of time before he breaks out in classic, game-changing fashion.

For now, the baseball world — and every viewer watching through Sports Channel — waits for that signature moment. Because when Shohei Ohtani finds his rhythm, there’s simply no one like him in the game.

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