In the high-pressure world of Major League Baseball’s postseason, every swing, pitch, and managerial decision is magnified under intense scrutiny. This year, attention has zoomed in on Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ two-way phenom, struggling on offense with a postseason batting average of just .147 (4 hits in 34 at-bats). Despite the slump, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has made it abundantly clear: his belief in Ohtani remains unshaken.
Roberts is not alone in trusting that Ohtani’s value transcends hit totals. In fact, this moment offers a glimpse into modern analytics-driven thinking: quality at-bats, on-base contributions, and dual-role versatility may carry as much weight as raw batting averages — especially during the postseason.
The Harsh Reality of Postseason Statistics
The postseason is where legends are forged — and where slumps are magnified.
Small sample sizes, intensified pitching matchups, heightened pressure, and fatigue all conspire to make offense harder.
Many elite hitters have endured slumps during October that’d be unforgivable in April — yet still turned things around when it mattered most.
Ohtani’s .147 average is starkly different from his regular season .282 average with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs, but Roberts and the Dodgers front office maintain it’s not cause for panic.
Beyond the Bat: The Hidden Value Ohtani Offers
When Roberts praises Ohtani’s “quality at-bats,” it’s not just a manager’s perk: it’s a deeper acknowledgment of how a star player can contribute in multiple, sometimes subtle, ways.
Drawing Walks = Forcing the Pitcher’s Hand
Ohtani’s eye at the plate can force pitchers to throw more hittable pitches or risk walking him. In tight playoff series, placing constant pressure on the opposing pitcher’s control can shift momentum.
A Menace in the Lineup with No Easy Outs
Even when Ohtani doesn’t collect a hit, his presence in the lineup demands attention. Pitchers can’t dismiss him lightly, which can help other hitters behind him see better pitches or free swings.
The Dual Threat: Pitcher and Hitter
Ohtani regained his pitching role this season after recovering from elbow surgery. He is scheduled to pitch Game Four in the current series — and Roberts said there’s no strict pitch limit. That flexibility underscores how the Dodgers intend to use him as more than just a batter, but as a weapon on the mound when the stakes are highest.
Managerial Psychology: Public Support as Strategy
Roberts’ public backing is more than manager-speak. It’s psychological support meant to:
Shield Ohtani from external pressure and media backlash.
Reinforce internal confidence (both for Ohtani and the rest of the roster).
Signal to fans and critics that the organization stands united in adversity.
This kind of cohesion can be crucial in tight postseason series, where morale and mental strength can swing outcomes.
Is There Risk in This Approach?
As staunch as the support is, some risks exist:
Extended Slump – If Ohtani continues to struggle, critics might question whether “faith” outweighs performance.
Over-reliance – Leaning too heavily on Ohtani’s non-batting contributions might invite criticism if others don’t step up.
Physical Toll – Using Ohtani heavily as a pitcher despite recent surgery could raise concerns about health and fatigue.
Yet, the Dodgers appear to believe those risks are manageable compared to the potential payoff of a healthy, confident Ohtani performing in multiple roles.
Historical Comparisons — Slumps, Stars & Turnarounds
History is littered with legends who stalled during postseason stretches only to rebound under pressure.
Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Mike Schmidt, among others, faced slumps yet delivered key hits in critical moments.
In recent years, slumps from players like Mookie Betts or Anthony Rendon have been weathered through strong team chemistry and managerial patience.
Ohtani’s case differs — his dual-role status gives him more leeway. But the narrative remains: even greats stumble in October; the real story is whether they recover.
What to Watch in the Coming Games
Here’s what fans and analysts will be watching as the series unfolds:
Game Four Performance: How Ohtani pitches — stamina, velocity, command — will be under a microscope.
At-Bat Quality: Even if hits don’t come, if Ohtani continues to draw walks or force difficult pitches, that’s a sign of life.
Lineup Support: Teammates stepping up can ease pressure off him.
Momentum Shifts: One clutch performance can flip a series.
If Ohtani can spark even one big game, the narrative could pivot from slump to legend.
Key Takeaways & The Bigger Picture
Batting average is not everything — modern analysis prioritizes contributions like on-base skills, walk rates, and lineup influence.
Psychological backing matters — a supportive manager can stabilize a player’s mindset under pressure.
Dual-role players are rare — Ohtani’s ability to pitch and hit gives the Dodgers tactical flexibility.
Slumps can be temporary — especially for elite athletes who’ve already demonstrated excellence.
If Ohtani rebounds, the story will be one of trust vindicated. If not, the discussions about managing star expectations may intensify.
