A statistical split so peculiar in Shohei Ohtani’s postseason play that Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering whether to adjust the batting order as a result. Ohtani has been fantastic in the postseason, but one statistic in particular demonstrates that he has performed best when there are runners in scoring position. With runners on base, the Dodgers designated hitter is 6-for-8 with a home run, three walks, and a 4-for-5 record when there are runners in scoring position. Ohtani, on the other hand, batted with the bases empty in the postseason and went 0-for-19 with 10 strikeouts. Based on those figures, should the Dodgers try to move Ohtani out of the leadoff spot to try to maximise his opportunities with runners on base?
Roberts more or less laughed off the suggestion on Tuesday, pointing out that previously there had been concerns about the opposite problem.
These are obviously small sample sizes, but Ohtani’s stats with runners on are certainly incredible. It’s also reasonable to wonder if this is an uncommon variance or a repeatable skill. Roberts is definitely keeping in mind that when players like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts bat behind Ohtani rather than in front of him, it is much more difficult for opponents to pitch around him. It appears like Ohtani won’t be moving anytime soon because the Dodgers have made it quite apparent that they don’t give a damn about what outsiders think.
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