Fri Apr 18 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Dodgers’ Ohtani Off to a Strong, If Uncharacteristic, Start; Team Offense Needs Boost

**Los Angeles, CA** – Shohei Ohtani, despite his own high standards, is having a solid, if not spectacular, start to the season. While his overall stats are slightly down from his MVP-caliber 2024 performance, he’s still among the league leaders, boasting six home runs and five stolen bases in the first 20 games. He’s on pace to become the first player in MLB history with multiple 40/40 seasons.

However, Ohtani’s RBI count is significantly lower than last year, a problem stemming not from his performance but from the Dodgers’ struggling bottom-of-the-order hitters. The team’s Nos. 7-9 batters are posting a major league-worst .173 batting average, limiting Ohtani’s opportunities with runners in scoring position.

Manager Dave Roberts has opted to wait for the bottom of the lineup to improve rather than changing Ohtani’s position in the batting order. There are signs of improvement, however, with key players like Max Muncy and Andy Pages showing signs of breaking out of their early season slumps. Muncy, who has adjusted his swing to improve contact, and Pages, showing increased power at the plate, contributed significantly to Wednesday’s 8-7 win over the Rockies.

The Dodgers are optimistic that as the season progresses and their bottom-order hitters regain their form, Ohtani will have more opportunities to drive in runs, maximizing his already impressive performance. Their collective improvement will be key to unlocking the full potential of their star player.

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