Dave Roberts Impressed By Key Shohei Ohtani Attribute
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hasn't hit much in 2026, but his approach at the plate has caught his manager's eye.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hasn’t hit much in 2026, but his approach at the plate has caught his manager’s eye. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke to the media ahead of the Dodgers’ series finale against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday and praised the reigning MVP for his plate discipline in the early portion of the 2026 season. “It’s been a small sample this year but in general, he’s probably there in the middle,” Roberts said.
“He’s doing a good job. ” Dave Roberts on how patient Shohei Ohtani is at the plate: “It’s been a small sample this year but in general, he’s probably there in the middle. He’s doing a good job.
” — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) April 1, 2026 Ohtani is off to a slow start with the stick in 2026 and has just three hits through 15 at-bats, but has managed six walks through the first five games of the season—leading the National League. He has a . 455 on-base percentage this season, which would rank as his career-high if he maintained this level of production throughout the entire season.
The four-time MVP isn’t any stranger to getting on base, and has led his respective league in on-base percentage in two of the last three years. Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) walks in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images How has the Dodgers’ Offense Performed as a Whole?