As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for the playoffs, manager Dave Roberts has shared insights regarding star player Shohei Ohtani. After an incredible regular season, Ohtani is set to navigate the intensity of postseason baseball.
In his seventh MLB season, Ohtani will finally make his playoff debut. Roberts emphasized that the stakes are higher in October, cautioning that the playoffs require a different mindset.
“It’s going to really test his patience and discipline,” Roberts remarked. He acknowledged that this moment has been a lifelong dream for Ohtani, making it crucial for him to stay focused.
Roberts reflected on past playoff performances, drawing comparisons to Dodgers’ Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger in the 2017 World Series. He noted how their eagerness affected their play against the Houston Astros.
In contrast, Roberts mentioned Seager’s composed approach during the 2020 World Series, which led to him earning the World Series MVP. Roberts hopes Ohtani will follow a similar path.
Despite the pressures of the playoffs, Roberts has unwavering confidence in Ohtani’s abilities. “He’s the best hitter on the planet,” he asserted, highlighting Ohtani’s potential impact in the postseason.
Roberts anticipates that opposing teams will specifically game plan against Ohtani, given his stature as a player. This strategy will require Ohtani to be especially vigilant at the plate.
To support Ohtani, Roberts plans to provide him with an “answer key” to navigate the complexities of playoff pitching. This guidance aims to prepare Ohtani for the challenges ahead.
The playoffs represent a new frontier for Ohtani, one that Roberts believes he is equipped to handle. The combination of talent and preparation could make Ohtani a key player for the Dodgers.
As October approaches, all eyes will be on Ohtani to see how he adapts to the heightened pressures of playoff baseball. His historic season sets the stage for what could be an exhilarating postseason run.
Ultimately, Roberts’ faith in Ohtani underscores the excitement surrounding the Dodgers’ chances in the playoffs, with Ohtani poised to make a significant impact.