Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani has openly admitted that he has been ‘trying too hard’ with runners in scoring position (RISP), a mindset shaped by his previous six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. This admission sheds light on the psychological challenges elite athletes face when transitioning to new teams and environments. Despite his remarkable debut season with the Dodgers, where he is a strong contender for the 2024 National League MVP Award, Ohtani’s struggles in high-pressure situations are noteworthy.
During a recent broadcast, FOX Sports announcer Joe Davis shared insights from Ohtani, who explained, “I find myself anytime the bases are loaded or there’s a runner in scoring position, trying too hard because I’m trained to feel like this is going to be our only shot.” This reflects the intense pressure he experienced during his tenure with the Angels, where opportunities for success were often scarce.
To adapt, Ohtani is working on rewiring his approach, aiming to avoid the mindset of needing to be the hero in every at-bat. This adjustment is crucial for his continued success as he integrates into the Dodgers’ high-caliber lineup.
Throughout his first six MLB seasons with the Angels, Ohtani earned two American League MVP awards. However, the team never reached the playoffs, which likely contributed to his heightened sense of urgency in critical moments.
This season, Ohtani’s performance with runners in scoring position has produced a slash line of .270/.379/.489. While these numbers are league-average, they mark a significant drop from his overall historic pace and his career averages of .291/.418/.604 in similar situations.
Despite these challenges, Ohtani has dominated the league, leading the National League with 53 home runs, 125 RBIs, and 56 stolen bases. His overall slash line stands at an impressive .303/.386/.642, and he recently made history as the first player in MLB to achieve a 50-50 season.
In the Dodgers’ recent victory over the San Diego Padres, Ohtani contributed significantly, going 2 for 3 with two RBIs, including a crucial RBI single that secured the game-winning run in the sixth inning. This victory improved the Dodgers’ record to 94-64, giving them a three-game lead over the Padres in the NL West and positioning them half a game ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the National League.
