MLB》famous reporter sharply analyzed Shohei Ohtani, "Standing in the strike zone is like a different person."

Shohei Ohtani. (File photo, Associated Press)

[Reporter Ni Wanjun/Comprehensive Report] Although the defending Dodgers have advanced to the National League Championship Game, which starts the day after tomorrow, the star Shohei Ohtani is still in a slump and has become the focus of the outside world. Rosenthal, a senior reporter of the American media "The Athletic" sharply pointed out: "Now that he is standing in the strike zone, he really looks like a different person."

In the 4 games of the National League Division Series against the Braves, Ohtani only managed 2 hits in 13 at-bats, with a batting average of 1.54%, no home runs and no RBIs, and the order of at-bats was adjusted back from the original 1st and 2nd at-bats.

Rosenthal analyzed Ohtani's current situation on the podcast "Foul Territory". He pointed out that the Dodgers will continue to let him play. In order to find the most suitable order, Game 3 of the Division Series was moved to the 5th baseball, and Game 4 was ranked 4th. "In the past, Yankees head coach Torre had relegated A-Rod to No. 8 when he was in a slump." However, Rosenthal believes that Ohtani still has to avoid relegating him to the lower at-bats, which will weaken his influence, so he understands the current arrangement of the Dodgers.

However, Rosenthal also bluntly said: "Based on Ohtani's current performance, it is still not enough. The two hits he scored were only short-range hits. In Game 4, he picked up a walk, stole a base and ran back to score. The overall movement is a good sign, but now that he is standing in the batter's box, he really looks like a different person."

Rosenthal further pointed out that in the playoffs, when facing slumping hitters, everyone will always say, "Just one swing can change everything." He also believes that it is true, and maybe it will really change with one swing, "But we are still waiting for that swing."

Ohtani scored 30 shots this season, but his last shot came on August 19. He was affected by biceps inflammation in his right arm and stopped shooting again. Dodger head coach Robles still showed full trust in Ohtani, saying bluntly: "With a hitter like him, there is absolutely no way we can exclude him from the starting lineup." Robles also revealed that Ohtani will continue to start in the National League Championship Series, and his at-bats are expected to fall between the second and fifth at bats.