""I don't think so, personally, that pitching has been affecting my hitting," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton on SportsNet LA. "But at the same time, it has been a little bit longer than my expectations, in terms of the hitting side of things. "I've been getting on base, which is a good thing. I just want to make sure that the quality of balls in play are better. It's not ideal that I'm trying to find that in the game. I just have to continue to do what I'm supposed to do.""
"Ohtani wasn't in the lineup when he took the mound Tuesday against the Houston Astros. It was the second time in as many starts the Dodgers chose to limit him to a single role and the third such instance overall this season. The 31-year-old is understanding of the organization's decision. "If I was hitting well, I'm sure the team would want me to pitch and hit as well," Ohtani said. "But I understand, in a situation where, 'Hey, just focus on pitching, turn the page on the hitting.' I understand that the team might think like that.""
"The Dodgers are aware this isn't the most optimal use of their superstar's skillset but are keeping his best interests in mind. Preserving Ohtani's arm health is the main motivation behind at times reducing his workload, especially because of the increased workload he has taken on this season. The right-hander has pitched at least six innings and thrown a minimum of 87 pitches in each of his s"
Shohei Ohtani has been successful as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers but has struggled as a hitter for an extended period. Debate has emerged that his pitching workload may be contributing to reduced offensive production. Ohtani says pitching has not affected his hitting, though he acknowledges the slump has lasted longer than expected. He notes he has been getting on base and wants better quality contact, emphasizing that he must keep doing what he is supposed to do. The Dodgers have sometimes limited him to pitching only, including multiple recent starts, and Ohtani understands the team’s reasoning. The primary motivation is preserving his arm health given his increased pitching workload this season.
Read at Dodger Blue
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