MLB Spring Training: Dodgers’ Skipper Reveals Crucial Freddie Freeman Role Alongside Shohei Ohtani, Superstar Lineup Takes Shape

The Academy Awards are near, so it’s fitting that Shohei Ohtani gave a dramatic performance in his Spring Training debut. The whole game looked like a giant bust for Ohtani. While it was expected, it nonetheless broke the hearts of many fans. Things looked down and out for him when suddenly something happened. In his last at-bat, down to his last pitch, Ohtani hit a two-run homer. But this was only the second surprise in his debut, the first being Ohtani’s position.

Before the superstar lineup of the LA Dodgers was announced, fans expected that Shohei Ohtani would bat at third, behind Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. However, things took a different turn: Freeman was chosen as the third bat, while Shotime played in the second. It was a development that left Ohtani surprised as well. 

So why didn’t the skipper, Dave Roberts, keep Ohtani at third to protect Freeman? The Los Angeles Times asked a similar question to Roberts. The skipper had a simple reason for it: Freeman’s style is suitable for the third at-bat.

“If you’re looking at the DNA of the two hitters, Shohei is more of a free-swinger than Freddie is. If you have somebody like Freddie behind him, there’s also a chance they should be in the strike zone a little more. Freddie is the biggest presence for protection behind Shohei.” Roberts said. 

If one goes by the Spring Training game, the trick is working. Ohtani’s two-run homer sparked off a big run for the Dodgers. They ended up coming back from 1-4 to win the game 9-6. However, it seems Ohtani is still a little apprehensive about a change in position, but as always, he’s ready to take up the challenge.

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Shohei Ohtani is a little apprehensive but confident about the Dodgers

When asked about playing second, Ohtani said, “I wonder; I won’t know until I’m standing in there.” He then talked about how he has Mookie Betts and Freeman with him, and the lineup has other good batters as well. Saying how he’s interested in seeing the development of things, Ohtani said, One at-bat at a time, I’d like to study and adjust.”

Certainly, seeing three former MVPs bat consecutively is a treat to watch. Especially as it has happened only 12 times in the history of MLB. While the lineup can still change its position, it’ll be interesting to see how everything will look in a month on the season’s opening day.

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