In the early days of the 2026 season, Shohei Ohtani is once again capturing attention, but this time it's his plate discipline that's turning heads. Despite a slow start with the bat, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is impressed with Ohtani's patience at the plate.
Roberts highlighted Ohtani's approach, noting, "It’s been a small sample this year but in general, he’s probably there in the middle. He’s doing a good job.” This speaks volumes about Ohtani’s ability to adapt and find ways to contribute, even when the hits aren't coming.
Through 15 at-bats, Ohtani has only managed three hits but has drawn six walks, leading the National League. This patience has resulted in a .455 on-base percentage, which, if sustained, would mark a career high for the four-time MVP. Ohtani's knack for getting on base is nothing new, having led his league in on-base percentage in two of the last three seasons.
However, it’s not just Ohtani who’s experiencing a sluggish start. The Dodgers' offense as a whole isn't firing on all cylinders.
Their 106 wRC+ ranks them 11th, a noticeable drop from their second-place finish last year. The team’s walk percentage is also lagging, sitting at 21st in MLB, with Ohtani shouldering much of the burden in this department.
Despite these offensive challenges, the Dodgers are staying competitive thanks to stellar performances from their pitching staff.
Ohtani’s contributions extend beyond the batter’s box as he embarks on his first full season pitching for the Dodgers. His debut against the Cleveland Guardians was nothing short of impressive.
Over six innings, he allowed just one hit, struck out six, and kept the scoreboard clean. This performance is a reassuring sign for fans eager to see Ohtani fully unleash his dual-threat potential.
Having returned to the mound in 2025 after Tommy John surgery, Ohtani showcased his resilience with a solid season, posting a 2.87 ERA over 14 starts. His start this year suggests he’s ready to build on that success.
As the season unfolds, Ohtani’s journey will be one to watch, both at the plate and on the mound. His unique skill set continues to redefine what's possible in baseball, and fans are undoubtedly eager to see how he shapes the Dodgers' season.