WASHINGTON (AP) — Dave Roberts thinks Shohei Ohtani can be even better with more plate discipline with runners in scoring position.
The Los Angeles Dodgers manager approached the two-time AL MVP about a week ago to discuss how Ohtani could better control the strike zone.
“I thought he was expanding a little bit more than he needed to,” Roberts said Tuesday. “So, I just wanted to have a conversation with him.”
Ohtani hit his 176th home run on Sunday, surpassing Hideki Matsui for the most in Major League Baseball among players born in Japan. Ohtani entered Tuesday night’s game in Washington leading the major leagues in batting average (.368), hits (35), doubles (11) and total bases (63).
“Any time he swings the bat he can change the game, and now being even more disciplined in the strike zone just makes him more scary,” Roberts said.
Ohtani left the Los Angeles Angels and joined the Dodgers in December for a record $700 million, 10-year contract. The two-way star had elbow surgery last September and won’t pitch this season.
Six winners of the Mail's Inspirational Women Awards are honoured in glittering ceremony in London
Xinhua Think Tank Issues Report on China
Travel prices for May Day holiday surge
More Measures Called for to Boost Births
Tragedy as five migrants die crossing Channel trying to reach Britain
China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 Kicks off
Highlights of Cultural Activities at Chengdu Universiade
Torch Relay of 19th Asian Games Continues in Quzhou, E China
I'm a nutritionist for cancer patients
China Takes 13th Consecutive Team Title in Women's Gymnastics at Asiad
Juventus requires a late goal to beat Lazio 3
Day 4 Roundup: China Continues Dominance with 23 Golds, Another Shooting World Record Shattered