Shohei Ohtani’s hitless streak extended to a season-long five games on Monday, despite the Los Angeles Dodgers’ commanding 8-3 win against the Houston Astros. The two-way star is currently balancing pitching duties with efforts to rediscover his offensive prowess.

Dodgers' Offense Shines

The Dodgers’ offense exploded with 13 hits in the victory, featuring home runs from Alex Freeland and Kyle Tucker. Seven players contributed to the hit total, with Freeland and Will Smith each recording three hits.

Ohtani's Struggles at the Plate

Ohtani struggled to find his rhythm at the plate, grounding out softly in a crucial moment. He acknowledged that his offensive performance isn’t always consistent at this time of year, but remains dedicated to improvement.

Balancing Pitching and Hitting

Ohtani recently earned pitcher of the month honors for March and April, boasting a remarkable 0.60 ERA. However, managing his dual role as a pitcher and hitter, a workload he hasn’t consistently handled since 2023, presents ongoing challenges.

Adjustments and Training

Ohtani has been working to correct a tendency to pull the ball, aiming for a more balanced approach. He even participated in early on-field batting practice, a tactic that has previously proven effective, to regain his timing.

Manager Dave Roberts plans for Ohtani to hit while pitching against the Astros on Tuesday, stating it’s the only viable option given his unique skillset. Coaches are focused on refining his swing mechanics, encouraging him to utilize the entire field.

Looking Ahead

Despite the slump, Ohtani drew two walks and had a fly out with a 91.2 mph exit velocity, suggesting a potential breakthrough is near. The Dodgers are prioritizing Ohtani’s health and endurance, especially with a deep postseason run anticipated.

He completed a bullpen session after batting practice on Monday, demonstrating his commitment to both pitching and hitting.