A metallic thud sliced through the usual pregame symphony of blaring speakers and the low hum of fans filtering into the stands at Dodger Stadium. For a moment, the atmosphere shifted. The murmurs turned into gasps, and the gasps quickly evolved into cheers as the crowd realized who was standing on the grass with a bat in his hands.
Roughly two hours before the first pitch of Monday’s game, Shohei Ohtani did something that has become as rare as a blue moon in Los Angeles: he took batting practice on the field. It was a visual promise of power. Ohtani spent the session parking several balls in the outfield seats, including one towering blast that cleared the Right Field Pavilion roof—a feat reminiscent of his legendary two-way performance in Game 4 of last year’s NL Championship Series.
But in baseball, the distance between the freedom of batting practice and the pressure of the lights is often a cavernous gap. Despite the fireworks in the afternoon, Ohtani spent the evening in a struggle. In an eventual 9-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants, the Dodgers’ superstar went 0-for-5, grounding out to the right side of the infield three times and striking out twice. He didn’t record a single fly ball during the game, leaving the fans to wonder why the power displayed in the sun vanished under the lights.
The Psychology of the On-Field Routine
For Ohtani, taking batting practice on the field is not a standard part of the regimen. It is a targeted tool, used sparingly and usually reserved for the highest stakes. He employed the same strategy during the last postseason, hitting on the field two days before his NLCS MVP performance in Game 4, and again ahead of the World Series.
When asked about the rarity of the move, Ohtani previously explained through interpreter Will Ireton that there are specific elements of the game—visual cues and spatial alignments—that can only be calibrated on the actual field of play. Dodgers hitting coaches have noted that for a hitter searching for their rhythm, seeing the exact flight path of the ball against the backdrop of the stadium can provide a psychological and technical reset.
However, one quarter of the way through the 2026 season, the “charm” of the on-field routine is wearing thin. Monday marked the third time this year Ohtani has taken the field for BP, and the results have yet to translate into game-day production. The disconnect suggests that the issue may not be mechanical, but mental.
An Uncharacteristic Slump by the Numbers
The numbers paint a stark picture of a superstar in a drought. Since April 26, Ohtani has struggled to find the fence, recording just one home run in his last 111 plate appearances. While he remains a threat in the leadoff spot, his efficiency has plummeted, particularly over the last few weeks.
To understand the depth of the cooling-off period, a look at his season averages compared to his recent stretch reveals a significant dip in productivity:
| Metric | 2026 Season Average | Last 17 Games |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .233 | .185 |
| OPS | .767 | (Decreased) |
| Home Runs | 6 | (Limited) |
| Hits | — | 12-for-65 |
Manager Dave Roberts believes Ohtani is falling into a common trap for elite hitters: trying to “swing out” of a slump. By attempting to overpower pitches and force the long ball, Ohtani is playing into the hands of opposing pitchers who are refusing to give him anything hittable.
“I think the thought is understandable,” Roberts said of Ohtani’s aggressive approach. “But when you’re a really dangerous hitter and pitchers are not going to give in to you, then it’s really not a good mindset. Because you sort of gotta take what they give you. And so tonight, they clearly weren’t going to give in to him.”
A Team-Wide Offensive Malaise
While Ohtani’s struggles are the focal point due to his stature, he is not an isolated case. The Dodgers’ offense as a whole has entered a period of stagnation. Since April 21, during the opening of a series against the Giants in San Francisco, Los Angeles has been held to four runs or fewer in 14 of 19 games. That stretch has seen the team drop 11 contests.
Monday’s loss was a microcosm of this frustration. The Dodgers created numerous opportunities but lacked the clinical edge to finish them, going a dismal 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranding eight baserunners. The “over-anxiousness” Roberts noted in Ohtani seems to have permeated the lineup, as the team struggles to capitalize on the basics.
Despite the slide, there is a sense of institutional confidence in the clubhouse. Max Muncy, a veteran presence, reminded the press of the team’s pedigree. “We’re back-to-back champions for a reason,” Muncy said. “We find ways to get out of this.”
The Search for a Reset
The Dodgers have indicated that they will not move Ohtani from the leadoff spot, trusting that his talent will eventually outweigh the current slump. However, they are recognizing the need for a physical and mental break. Roberts has signaled that a reset is imminent.
The upcoming schedule provides a natural pivot point. Ohtani is scheduled to start on the mound this Wednesday. To prevent further fatigue or mental burnout, Roberts mentioned that Ohtani may either be removed from the batting lineup during his pitching start or given a full day off on Thursday.
For a player who defines himself by his relentless work ethic and two-way dominance, the idea of a day off is rare. But as the 2026 season progresses, the Dodgers may find that the best way to get Ohtani back to his best is to step away from the plate for a moment and stop trying to force the magic.
The next critical checkpoint for Ohtani will be his appearance on the mound this Wednesday, where the focus shifts from his struggling bat to his arm. Official updates on his lineup status for the remainder of the week will be available via the Los Angeles Dodgers official team page.
Do you think Ohtani needs a complete break from hitting to find his rhythm, or is this just a natural slump? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
