Shohei Ohtani’s Remarkable On-Base Streak Comes to a Close
Shohei Ohtani’s Streak Ends in Solid Pitching Performance
Shohei Ohtani’s impressive 53-game on-base streak concluded on a night when he pitched six scoreless innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This remarkable feat underscores Ohtani’s versatility, although it may also signify a shift in how he is utilized by the team.
“I’m focused, as a leadoff hitter, to get on base. As long as I feel good overall, the result will follow," Ohtani explained through interpreter Will Ireton. "It hasn’t been the case (lately).”
The all-time record for consecutive games reaching base stands at 84, a milestone set by Ted Williams in 1949. Prior to Wednesday’s loss to the San Francisco Giants, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized his commitment to Ohtani’s health and performance, balancing his dual roles on the mound and at the plate.
Roberts indicated that Ohtani’s playing schedule may fluctuate based on how he feels. "I’ll always let the manager make that final decision and I’m always going to be prepared when I’m starting that I’m hitting,” Ohtani added. “But if it makes sense as a team to occasionally put a guy in as a DH or hit later, that’s fine as well."
In the game against the Giants, Ohtani maintained his solid performance on the mound, allowing no earned runs for the third time in four starts this season. His batting, however, faced challenges as he recorded no hits in four attempts, concluding his streak that tied him with Shawn Green for the second-longest in Dodgers history. The team record of 58 games belongs to Duke Snider, achieved from May 13 to July 11, 1954. Ohtani’s streak ranks as the longest in Major League Baseball since Orlando Cabrera reached base in 63 consecutive games from April 25 to July 6, 2006.
“The season’s not over, and I could start another streak, and that would be great," Ohtani remarked on his future prospects.
As he continues to perform both as a hitter and pitcher, Ohtani’s batting average has slipped from .271 to .258. On the mound, he boasts an earned run average of 0.38 over 24 innings, along with a 2-0 record, 25 strikeouts, and six walks.
Manager Roberts acknowledges the importance of balancing Ohtani’s roles. “I think if you look at the overall numbers, it’s certainly something. I still feel really good about putting his name in the lineup,” he stated. He noted that he is open to the idea of minimizing Ohtani’s at-bats on days he pitches to maintain his performance level.
Roberts highlighted catcher Dalton Rushing as a capable fill-in at designated hitter, noting his impressive .414 batting average with seven home runs and 13 RBIs.
The Dodgers, currently two-time defending World Series champions, have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games, including a 3-1 defeat in Tuesday night’s series opener against the Giants.
Before the series finale on Thursday, Roberts remains undecided on Ohtani’s lineup position but is committed to evaluating all options to optimize team performance. “I think everything should be on the table,” he concluded.
NBCLA’s Jonathan Lloyd contributed to this report.
